Lot# 9060

this group of three covers illustrates the postal rate system and operational practices for airmail to “Other Countries” during China’s 8th Postal Tariff Period. From 1 January 1955, the surface letter rate for the first 20 grams was fixed at 2,200 yuan, and the airmail surcharge for 10 grams to “Other Countries” was reduced from 9,000 yuan to 8,000 yuan, making a total of 10,200 yuan. From 1 March 1955, rates were converted to the new RMB currency at 102 fen. The examples include a 1955 Shanghai to Buenos Aires cover initially underpaid at 7,000 yuan (European rate) and later remailed after adding 3,200 yuan; a 1956 Canton to Canada cover correctly franked at 102 fen in new currency; and a 1955 Tientsin to Nepal cover erroneously franked at the “Other Countries” rate of 10,200 yuan instead of the correct “Asia” rate of 5,400 yuan, reflecting the sender’s misunderstanding of postal zoning. Together, these covers illustrate the rate adjustments, currency transition, and typical franking errors of the 8th Postal Tariff Period, making them valuable for postal history study.