How scarce is the Hyderabad HG 3 mark on this cover?

The census grades Hyderabad HG 3 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1820–1837.

When was COV-642 posted?

COV-642 is dated 2 October 1830, within the recorded period of use of Hyderabad HG 3 (1820–1837).

COV-642

2 October 1830 Hyderabad Cover

Back to census|Hyderabad HG 3 · 11 covers recorded

COV-832 →

Pre-stamp cover of India — 2 October 1830, Hyderabad HG 3 handstruck folded letter (COV-642) — front

Pre-stamp cover of India — Hyderabad HG 3, back (COV-642) — back

Scan or Photo Courtesy of Siegel Auction Galleries

Date

2 October 1830

Description

"HYDERABAD/POST PAID" Boxed Handstamp (Giles 3). Bold and clear strike.

Auction

Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries

Sale No. 1325, Lot 3018, (2025)

Provenance

"Magnolia"

•2025, Robert A. Siegel Sale No. 1325, Lot 3018

Same office

Other recorded marks at Hyderabad

10 marks

10 other pre-1854 postal markings of Hyderabad are recorded in the census. Compare their figure numbers, dates and colours to identify the mark on your cover.

+4 more at this office.View all Hyderabad marks and postal history →

About this Hyderabad pre stamp cover

COV-642 is a Hyderabad pre stamp cover of 2 October 1830 bearing the Hyderabad HG 3 handstamp, struck in black, recorded in the census of Hyderabad postal history, Madras Presidency. What is a pre stamp cover?

"HYDERABAD/POST PAID" Boxed Handstamp (Giles 3). Bold and clear strike.

Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale No. 1325 lot 3018 (2025).

2 images of COV-642 are recorded (front, back); the Hyderabad HG 3 mark itself is recorded in use 1820–1837.

Questions about COV-642

What is COV-642?: COV-642 is a recorded pre stamp cover of Hyderabad, Madras Presidency of 2 October 1830, bearing the Hyderabad HG 3 handstamp in black. "HYDERABAD/POST PAID" Boxed Handstamp (Giles 3). Bold and clear strike.
How scarce is the Hyderabad HG 3 mark on this cover?: The census grades Hyderabad HG 3 as scarce, counted from surviving recorded covers rather than estimated. The mark is recorded in use 1820–1837.
What is the provenance of COV-642?: Its recorded auction history runs through Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Sale No. 1325 lot 3018 (2025).
When was COV-642 posted?: COV-642 is dated 2 October 1830, within the recorded period of use of Hyderabad HG 3 (1820–1837).

About this record

This 2 October 1830 pre stamp cover of British India bears the Hyderabad HG 3 handstamp of the Madras Presidency, a mark graded “Scarce” in this census — one of 11 surviving covers with this mark recorded. It has appeared at auction with Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries, Sale No. 1325, lot 3018, (2025).