Switzerland 1843 Geneva 'Port Cantonal' 5c Double Stamp

Switzerland · 1843 · 5 Cents

This historic stamp features the coat of arms of Geneva, displaying a double eagle and a key, with 'Poste de Genève' at the top and 'Port Cantonal' at the bottom. Issued as a double stamp, it allowed for a 5-cent or 10-cent postage rate depending on whether one or both halves were used for a letter.

Issued on September 30, 1843, this stamp is one of Switzerland's earliest cantonal issues, predating the federal postal system. Its innovative design as a separable double stamp provided flexibility for different postal rates, making it a significant piece of postal history.