1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp, EP-97, HB-21, S-11, Reed AP10, Ten Cents, TAKE AYER’S PILLS, with Plain Frame, Fine.
Rated as Rarity-6 (16 to 20 Known) according to Fred Reed. However, this cataloger believes it is far more rare. We have only offered one other example which sold in our EAHA Auction, of February 10, 2007, Lot 813, for $1,770 now nearly 20 years ago. This current example has a very deep green 1861 issue George Washington stamp that is soiled and centered a bit high in the case. It has a few scattered dark specks and is torn below the left moon at the rim edge as shown, exposing the partial card insert behind the stamp as made. The mica is unbroken but shows surface wear from circulation and has a small hit in the mica on Washington’s neck. The case is mottled medium to dark chestnut in color and has a small pinscraped “X” within the surface at LL of PILLS. Regardless of condition, this Ten Cents TAKE AYER’S PILLS is certainly a decent filler, and is lacking in most collections. (EF Friedberg Cat. $1,250)