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Scott Number: R178 Collection Reference No. for Communications: 5781

Denomination/Type: $50 gray brown, rouletted 5.5

2025 Scott Catalog Value: $2786.00

Estimated Retail Value: $ 750.00 What is this?

Cancel Method: Handstamped - Circle

Cancel Color: Magenta/Purple

Cancel Date: May 23, 1899

Cancel or Company Type: Railroad

Company: Baltimore & Ohio Railroad

City: Baltimore

State: Maryland

Stock certificate #1 from the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B & O Railroad of Monopoly fame), for 400,000 shares of preferred stock ($40 million at the time, equivalent to $1.5 BILLION in 2024), resulting from the railroad's bankruptcy/reorganization, issued to the voting trustees of the railroad. 400 copies of Scott #R178 on the back and attached sheets paid the $20,000 tax (2 stamps have fallen by the wayside over time; only 398 remain). Part of an incredible historical transaction find, which I have chronicled in full on this page.

If you have any information or comments about this cancel or stamp, please email me.