Durango

Durango, dos reales.

Durango is the capital of the state of Durango. It was the 23rd largest postal district, based on the number of stamps used, and 21st by total value of all stamps used. The average cost of the stamps used was 2.07 reales. Durango had about 12,400 inhabitants in 1867.

Durango had 13 sub-offices: Cerro Gordo, Cuencame, Gavilanes, Mapimi, Nazas, Nombre de Dios, Papasquiaro, San Dimas, San Juan de Guadalupe, San Juan del Rio, Santiago.

The following consignments were made according to Chapman:
  Day Month Year Invoice # Medio Un Dos Cuatro Ocho
Sent 19 4 1861 125 676 776 2020 1800 720
Sent 11 9 1862 110 1200 4000 3800 600 300
Sent 23 2 1863 30 600 1000 1900    
Total Sent       3 2476 5776 7720 2400 1020
Returned                  
Total Used 19392     3 2476 5776 7720 2400 1020
Distribution         12.77% 29.79% 39.81% 12.38% 5.26%
Distribution vs. all stamps         1.28% 0.71% 0.84% 2.30% 1.62%

Many of the ocho reales stamps were cut up and used as splits. Whole stamps tend to be rather scarce.

According to Roberto Liera (Mexicana, April 1996, "The High Value Stamps of the 1861 Issue"), the distribution of the cuatro and ocho reales stamps was approximately
1,800 cuatro reales black on yellow
600 cuatro reales dull rose on yellow
1,020 ocho reales black on brown
0 ocho reales green on brown

The Durango overprint is approximately 17 by 2 mm, with trailing dot. It's generally nicely struck.

On average, the stamps have normal margins for the issue.

Forgeries from Durango exist. A MEPSI certificate is recommended.

 

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