Stamp rarities in Postmuseum, Stockholm

Sweden: 3 skilling banco, block of four and a single copy of 8 skilling banco on domestic letter 1857

The first Swedish stamps were issued on July 1, 1855. The denominations were: 3 skilling banco green, 4 skilling banco blue, 6 skilling banco grey, 8 skilling banco orange and 24 skilling banco red.

This is a remarkable domestic cover with a block of four of the rare 3 skilling banco and one 8 skilling banco stamps. The letter was sent from Åmål on 13 January 1857 to Ökne. The postal rate, 20 skilling banco, represents a fivefold rate for a domestic letter 1855-1858.

Donation by Hans Lagerlöf, 1930.

Sweden: 4 skilling banco 1855, unused quarter sheet, 25 stamps




Unused stamps of the skilling issue with original gum are very rare.

This quarter sheet of the 4 skilling banco is unique and the largest multiple in existence of any of the skilling banco stamps. It is taken from the lower left-hand corner of a sheet with margins intact.

Purchased in 1924.

Sweden: 6 skilling banco, six copies on a letter to London 1858




This letter was sent from Stockholm to London on June 7, 1858, and franked with two pairs and two separate copies of the 6 skilling banco. Largest known number of this value on one cover.

Acquired in 1918.

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