very rarepre-1900

Basel Dove

Name: Basel Dove
Brand: Switzerland

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 carmine. This was the world's first tri-color stamp, a significant technical achievement for its time, designed by the architect Melchior Berri.

Issued before the unification of the Swiss postal system in 1849, the Basel Dove is one of the classic cantonal issues. It was intended for local postage within the canton of Basel.

Printing Method

Typography

Themes

birds doves cantonal-issues classic-philately

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.

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