Cordova (Cordoba)

Cordova, medio real.
Sz 184 		Cordova, un real.
Sz 184

Cordova is located in the state of Veracruz. It was the 24th largest postal district, based on the number of stamps used, and 25th by total value of all stamps used. The average cost of the stamps used was 1.53 reales. Cordova had about 6,000 inhabitants in 1856.

Cordova had 4 sub-offices: Coscomatepec, Fortin, Huatusco and Paso del Macho.

The following consignments were made according to Chapman:
  Day Month Year Invoice # Medio Un Dos Cuatro Ocho
Sent 30 8 1856 15 2940 2520 1020 180 420
Sent 7 1 1857 5 300 1500 3000 600  
Sent 3 7 1857 127 600 3000 1900    
Sent 12 9 1857 179     1900    
Sent 4 1 1858 1   600 950    
Sent 11 3 1858 35 300 1000 950   60
Sent 29 4 1858 59 240 800 760 240 120
Sent 22 2 1861 57 1600 400   50  
Total sent       8 5980 9820 10480 1070 600
Returned                  
Total Used 27950 8 5980 9820 10480 1070 600
Distribution         21.40% 35.13% 37.50% 3.83% 2.15%
Distribution vs. all stamps         0.79% 0.71% 0.65% 0.70% 0.64%

It is likely that the first consignment of dos reales stamps consisted of stamps in the emerald shade. Those from the second consignment were plate I sap green, since no plate II stamps were sent (though they are priced by Follansbee!). The sap green is the most common color on the small plate stamps from Cordova. CAVEAT EMPTOR: Most stamps offered as emerald are probably sap green, at about a fifth the value.

From the consignment data we can see that about 4,020 of the 9820 un reals sent were from the small plates. Therefore, we should expect to find a rather large proportion (up to about 40%) of un real stamps from Cordova to have large margins.

The cancel shown on the stamps above is rated 5/3 points by Schatzkes, but it is the most commonly available. No premium should be paid for this cancel, in my opinion.

The Cordova overprint is approximately 17 by 2 mm. It's generally nicely struck.

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

Forgeries from Cordova are uncommon.

 

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