China 1897 60th Birthday of the Dowager Empress, "Mollendorf' SG16/24var Art 5 inch first day cover

5 inch first day cover of the US 1973 10c Mineral Heritage issue

Without doubt one of the most historically important collections we have ever had the pleasure of offering

A fine used example leaving profile almost entirely clear

Obverse: Ornate crowned bust left

China 1897 60th Birthday of the Dowager Empress, "Mollendorf' SG16/24var Art 5 inch first day coverChina 1897 60th Birthday of the Dowager Empress, "Mollendorf' SG16 24var printing on thicker unwatermarked paper, set of 9 to 24ca rose red, SG16 24var. A fine mint set with large part original gum. The 12ca with small tone spot, otherwise very fine. In November 1894, a special set of 9 stamps was issued to commemorate the 60th birthday of the Dowager Empress. These were the very first commemorative stamps issued in China, two years before the Chinese