1862 Civil War Encased Postage Stamp, EP-34, HB-29, S-15a, Reed-AS03MD, Three Cents, AYER’S SARSAPARILLA, Small “AYER’S” Type, Choice Extremely Fine+.
Rated as Rarity-4 (31 to 40 Known) according to Fred Reed. Our personal observations certify that this Small “AYER'S” type has perhaps a 10 to 1 higher rarity ratio over the EP-34B Large “AYER'S” variety and perhaps as much as a 50 to 1 greater rarity ratio versus the common Medium “AYER'S”. The present example has a pleasing, nice red stamp which is fairly well centered, a small “v” tear in the stamp seen at the bottom rim edge. It is viewed through unbroken mica having but one faint horizontal internal lamination near the right side to the case's edge at 3:00. Otherwise, it has only light even wear, a pleasing golden coloration with significant traces of original Silvering remaining on the bold, clean reverse. A pleasing example for the discriminating collector. (VF Scott Cat. $700) Provenance ex: Collection of Robert Bauer.