U.S. 3¢ Star-die #U27 entire tied gorgeous bold strike of BOYDTON / Va. // MAY / 7 [1861], First Day of Virginia in the Confederacy – a period of only 45 days. Addressed to Edward Keen, Esq., Christiansville (Mecklenburg County) Va. Slightly reduced at left, Extremely Fine. Ex-Thayer. $2,000.

Edward Keen is listed in 1850 census records as a 69-year-old farmer (planter) owning 34 slaves. Value of real estate noted as $6,000 and value of personal property $4,000, wife Elizabeth, age 60, two maiden sisters in the same household, ages 62 and 63.