ARRIVAL OF THE 2 CENTS COAT OF ARMS FROM DENMARK

1903. 2 cents Coat of Arms. Cancelled Christiansted June 4 1903.

1903. 2 cents Coat of Arms. Cancelled Christiansted June 4 1903.

Earliest recorded 2 cents Coat of Arms postmark on St. Croix and cancelled on the last day of authorized use of bisects on St. Croix. An unique postmark.

The bisected 4 cents era (January 20 - June 4) was highly influenced by the late arrival of the 2 cents Coat of Arms from Denmark. One could argue that if the 2 cents Coat of Arms had been produced in a timely manner there would have been no era of the bisected 4 cents - so to whoever responsible for that delay we are very grateful.

The production of 2 cents Coat of Arms had been delayed significantly and therefore the Post Offices on DWI had no choice - but to extend the use of bisected 4 cents until the arrival of the new 2 cents stamps.

The earliest reported use of 2 cents Coat of Arms is May 27. The use of the bisected 4 cents came to an end on St. Thomas May 23 - so they would have had to use i.e. 1 cent Coat of Arms and 2 cents cards for a short period of time.

It is stated in DWI literature (Engstrom article) - that the 2 cents Coat of Arms arrived at Christiansted on June 5 and Frederiksted June 8. However - I have a 2 cents Coat of Arms stamp cancelled Christiansted June 4 (see above photo) and a postal card cancelled June 4 as well (see below). 

The June 4 cancelled stamp and postal card clearly show that the 2 cents Coat of Arms was present on St. Croix on the last day of authorized use of bisected 4 cents and not as previously reported arriving on June 5.

 

Furthermore one could argue that the First day of use of the 2 cents Coat of Arms on St. Croix is June 4 1903.

 

1 cent postal card cancelled Christiansted on June 4 1903. Also present is a 2 cents Coat of Arms cancelled the same day - June 4 1903. This is the only known card or letter with a 2 cents Coat of Arms on the first day of use on St. Croix. Further cancelled St. Thomas June 5 then via New York June 12 - arriving in Fredericia Denmark June 22.

1 cent postal card cancelled Christiansted on June 4 1903. Also present is a 2 cents Coat of Arms cancelled the same day - June 4 1903. This is the only known card or letter with a 2 cents Coat of Arms on the first day of use on St. Croix. Further cancelled St. Thomas June 5 then via New York June 12 - arriving in Fredericia Denmark June 22.

The postal card shows genuine usage. Also backstamped transitting New York June 12 1903.

The postal card shows genuine usage. Also backstamped transitting New York June 12 1903.

Cover cancelled June 11 1903 and sent to St. Thomas the same day.

Cover cancelled June 11 1903 and sent to St. Thomas the same day.

Backstamped St. Thomas June 11 1903.

Backstamped St. Thomas June 11 1903.

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