1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp, EP-16, HB-126, Scott-93, Reed-JG01, One Cent, “J. Gault.” Plain Frame, Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-7 (11 to 15 known) according to Fred Reed. This One Cent denomination John Gault encasement actually seems more difficult to locate and is rarer than the “J. Gault” Ninety Cent denomination. The Hodder-Bowers reference states their opinion on page 113, that fewer than 15 are thought to have survived. This current example has a very nice encasement even with the small hit in the left moon and a couple tiny ticks on the right. The 1861 US Postage issue Benjamin Franklin stamp is bold blue with a bit of tone and a light spot of white on the mica above Benjamin Franklin’s portrait that was apparently on the mica when it was inserted into the case when made. The mica is very clear and not broken, showing light circulation. There are less than 15 examples thought to exist and this current specimen is only the fourth we have offered in over five decades. We sold one of the finest known examples in our EAHA Auction of September 13, 2007 Lot 3102, graded Choice About Unc. then bringing $2,065 about twenty years ago. (EF Friedberg Cat. $1,500)