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Basel Dove
very rarepre-1900

Basel Dove

Switzerland · 1845 · 2½ rappen

The Basel Dove is a notable stamp issued by the Swiss canton of Basel in 1845. It features a white dove embossed in the center, carrying a letter in its beak, set against a background of light blue and crimson. This was the world's first tri-color stamp, printed using typography, and is renowned for its beautiful and innovative design.

Issued by the canton of Basel before the establishment of a unified Swiss federal postal system in 1849, this stamp is a key piece of cantonal philately. Its advanced multi-color printing and embossed design were groundbreaking for the era.

Printing Method

Typography

Catalog Numbers

sgG3
scott3L1
michel3

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$35,000
Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$25,000
Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$18,000
Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$12,000
Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$5,000

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.