1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp, EP-69, HB-75, S-46, Reed-BK05, Five Cents, BURNETT’S COCOAINE KALLISTON, Very Good/Very Fine.
Rated a Rarity-6 (16-20 known) according to Fred Reed. This popular 5¢ “Burnett's Cocoaine Kalliston” Encased Postage Stamp advertises a popular hair tonic made from coconut oil, and not the currently illegal drug Cocaine. The correct pronunciation of "Cocoaine" is "coco-ine" as found on page 151 of “Civil War Encased Stamps The Issuers and Their Times” the major reference work by Fred Reed. Also, page 146 informs that "Kalliston" is an emulsive lotion for improving one’s complexion. The brown Thomas Jefferson 5¢ 1861 US Postage issue stamp is centered somewhat low to the right. The mica from Jefferson’s nose to the left moon is damaged having a pencil eraser-size mica hole. The case is naturally toned medium chestnut-brown in color displaying sharp clear reverse side legends. (VF Scott Cat. $700)

Encased Postage Stamp, 1862, Fred Reed