1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp, EP-81, HB-151, S-108, Five Cents, HUNT & NASH, "Irving House", Plain Frame Rarity, Very Choice Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-8 (5 to 10 known) according to Fred Reed. This fully original premium quality example is exceedingly rare as a “Plain Frame” major type. This specimen ranks among the Finest Known. According to the Hodder-Bowers "Standard Catalogue" reference book, the “Plain Frame” 5¢ is stated to be "just barely collectable." Only about a half dozen are known to exist. The perfectly centered bright clean 1861 issue Thomas Jefferson stamp is rich brown fully original displaying great eye appeal. The mica is virtually perfect being crystal clear and unbroken, with some faint traces of modest circulation. The case is an even natural light chestnut in color. The latest example to be sold was in the EAHA August 26th, 2006 Auction, Lot 937 graded Choice EF which brought $5,900. This is a significant and highly important quality Encased Postage Stamp rarity should likely do even better. (EF Friedberg Cat. $4,000)