1851, 1¢ blue, type III. Position 67R4, margins to just in at top and upper right, tied by "Albany, N.Y., Paid" circular handstamp on fresh July 29, 1857 Astronomical Journal printed circular by famous astronomer Dr. C.H. Peter, with printed "Astron Journal, Comet Circular" and "Paid" on front, Very Fine, a very early and most likely the earliest usage of the 1857 1¢ blue, type III on cover; with 2004 A.P.S. certificate. Scott No. 8  Estimate $1,500 - 2,000. Although no date postmark or docketing exists on this or the following matching circular, the circular date is given as July 29, 1857. Scott catalog lists earliest documented use of this stamp as September 21, 1857 for an off cover stamp. This circular predates this documented use by almost two months. $0 (Image)