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Scott Number: R161 Collection Reference No. for Communications: 5817

Denomination/Type: 1/2c orange, rouletted 5.5

2025 Scott Catalog Value: $ 25.00

Estimated Retail Value: $ 400.00 What is this?

Cancel Method: Multiple Cancel Types

Cancel Date: July 26, 1898

Cancel or Company Type: Insurance Company or Agent

Company: Edward C. Roth & Co.

July 1898 change-of-beneficiary addendum to an insurance policy, with 21.5 cents paid in tax. The half-cent battleship printed in orange was only used for a very short period of time at the beginning of the Spanish American War tax period, replaced by the same denomination printed in gray (Scott #R162). There are fewer than 10 reported examples still on document. This document was typed on a delicate tissue-like parchment; it's amazing it survived at all.

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