Discount Postage :

This may be the first recorded example of discount postage.

In 1843 (October 1), when Geneva, Switzerland, issued its first cantonal stamps, the rate was lOc. (5c. + 5c.) to
any part of the canton or 5c. for local letters. People not being familiar with postage stamps in those days hesitated,
so the Government persuaded them by offering the lOc. at 8c., and 5c. at 4c., but charged full rates on letters posted
without stamps. The use of stamps therefore came into favour. They are now catalogued at £350' and £53,
respectively.