1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp, EP-32, HB-5, S-3, Reed AC03LA, Three Cents, AYER'S CATHARTIC PILLS, “Short Arrows” Type, Extremly Fine.
Rated as Rarity-1 (100+ Common) according to Fred Reed. The red George Washington stamp is well centered, having even light tone and an unusual short dark brown foreign substance below Washington’s eye, plus some wrinkles, as made. The mica is clear and not broken. The case is basically defect-free with a couple tiny spots on the outer rim, overall displaying a pleasing light chestnut in color with traces of underlying luster within the reverse side legends. Very collectible. (VF Scott Cat. $475)