Italian States — Papal States. 1868 cover to France franked with III issue stamps
Folded letter sent from Rome to Annonay, France, dated 22 July 1868, franked with 10 cent orange and 40 cent yellow, both from the Papal States III issue (Sassone nos. 19, 26). Stamps tied by "Roma 22 Lug 68" circular datestamp, with clear "P.D." (Paid to Destination) handstamp and Annonay arrival marking on reverse. Routing via Pont St. Michel. An attractive and complete cross-border usage of the late Papal postal system, just two years before the fall of Rome.
Estimate: International usage from Rome to France, rarer than domestic, with a similar local cover realizing €1,200 (~$1,300) at the 2018 Corinphila Auction.
