1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp, EP-98a, HB-36, Scott-17, Reed-AS10MD, Ten Cents, AYER'S SARSAPARILLA, Medium “AYER’S”, Very Fine.
Rated a Rarity-6 (16 to 20 Known) according to Fred Reed. This pleasing collectable example is well centered, with a deep bold green stamp that is seen under mostly clear and unbroken mica that has some dark spots on the underside, not on the stamp with one small area of natural craze and an upwards wrinkle to the left of Washington’s neck. The case is golden-chestnut in color being otherwise defect free, with reverse legends that are sharp and clear. An attractive example of this rarer denomination and Merchant type with only 16 to 20 examples believed known. (EF Friedberg Cat. $1,000)