The 80-cent value was issued in 1858, together with the 10c, to make up for the shortage of higher denominations used mainly for registered mail or mail sent abroad.
The most common rate for this stamp is the one for France (starting from 1 January 1861), where it paid the double-rate postage for that country.
There are five printings of the 80c:
- 17, 17a, 17b, 17c and the new arrival 17aa (1858 printings)
- 17A, 17Aa, 17Ab and the new arrival 17Ac (1859 printings)
- 17B, 17Ba and the new arrival 17Bb (1860 printings)
- 17C (1861 printings)
- 17D, 17Da (1862 printings)
There are no "Ministerial" printings, that is, from 1863, of the 80c.
A single plate was prepared for the 80c, and it was used throughout the entire issue.
For further details, we recommend reading Umberto Ballabio's book, which you can find HERE.
