This exhibit, presented in five  sections,  comprises the 1856 - 1867 classic issues of Mexico. Each value of an issue is well represented with stamps illustrating a variety of district names in either mint or used state.  The covers presented in each stamp issue defines rates prevailing in a particular period. The exhibit sections are:

1856 FIRST HIDALGO ISSUE
The stamps and usage are described according to district names and the two postal rates in effect: the first from August 1, 1856 to December 15, 1856 and the second from December 16, 1856 until the appearance of the 1861 Second Hidalgo Issue. Of particular importance is the only known cover to Canada and the largest known franking of the issue consisting of five copies of the 8 reales combined with 1 real and 2 reales values.
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1856 FIRST HIDALGO ISSUE
The stamps and usage are described according to district names and the two postal rates in effect: the first from August 1, 1856 to December 15, 1856 and the second from December 16, 1856 until the appearance of the 1861 Second Hidalgo Issue. Of particular importance is the only known cover to Canada and the largest known franking of the issue consisting of five copies of the 8 reales combined with 1 real and 2 reales values.

1861 SECOND HIDALGO ISSUE
Having the same format as the First Issue but printed in different colors and  paper type. Amply represented with singles, multiples in a variety of district names. Two significant covers highlight the issue; first, the only known core with three quarters of 8 reales black on red brown from San Luis Potosi, and the second, the largest known franking for the issue, a registered cover from Puebla bearing a strip of 4 of the  8 reales green on brown plus 2 reales and 4 reales values.

1864 - 1866 EAGLES
This issue is arranged in six periods, as follows:

  • Pre First Period: Consisting of the few very early shipments without any overprints.
  • First Period: Stamps with only the district name overprint
  • Second Period: Stamps with district name and large Egyptian consignment numbers, dated 1864.
  • Third Period: Stamps with district name and small consignment numbers, dated 1864.
  • Fourth Period: Stamps with district name, dated 1865.
  • Fifth Period: Stamps with district name, dated 1866.
Again singles, multiples and covers including several of the rare bisects are on display. The only known mixed franked cover bearing an Eagle and a Maximilian issue and the largest known franking for the issue highlight this section.

1866 - 1867 MAXIMILIANS
Issued in two types:  lithographed and engraved.  This section includes essays, proofs and the largest known franking both on piece and on cover and one of the three known registered cover for the issue.

1867 PROVISIONAL AND GOTHIC ISSUES
Presented are examples of stamps from the 1856 and 1861 issues used in 1867 when Maximilian was defeated and the use of said stamps was forbidden. Also included are the local "Gothic" stamped used in Mexico City. The name is derived from the fact the Mexican postal authorities used remainders from the 1861 issue but employing the gothic typeface district name overprint used on Eagle and Maximilian stamps. A 4 reales stamp used at Saltillo District with "Candela" oval cancel is unique for the period.