Merida

Merida, un and dos reales. Fifth period, consignment 18-1866 Sub-consignment 1866-10 and 30-1866 to Sisal. Detail of cover.

Stamps from Merida appear to have had a very low survival rate. By looking at the number of stamps sent you might think they are rather common, but that is certainly not the case. This is especially true for the ½real stamps. High quality stamps are difficult to find, since most appear to be cut close on at least one side.

There has been much speculation about the reasons for this scarcity. It has been suggested that the climate is partly to blame – it is hot and humid, providing ideal conditions for mold and rot. Another explanation could be that Merida is often hit by sudden storms, capsizing the small boats used for transporting mail to and from the sail ships.

In addition to the environmental conditions we must also remember that Merida was somewhat isolated from the rest of Mexico at the time. Stamps could have been lost or stolen in transit such that the quantity received is lower than the quantity sent. However, there are no records of such occurrences. Finally, due to the limited communication with other districts, we find very few covers destined for the large business centers in Mexico City, Veracruz or Puebla, for example.

One indication that stamps were lost or stolen can be found on a few stamps overprinted 98-1864. This is an invoice number from the first period, suggesting that the stamps were sent as a replacement for first period stamps for some unknown reason. First period stamps with invoice numbers are also found from Apam and Huejutla.

Merida did not overprint sub-consignment numbers until perhaps June 1866, a very short time before the Eagle stamps were replaced by the Maximilian issue. These stamps are very scarce.

Merida Sub-offices

Merida had 6 sub-offices in the Eagle period:

Espita, Izamal (Yzamal), Maxcanu, Sisal, Tekax and Valladolid.