1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp, EP-34a, HB-30, S-15, Reed AS03MD, Three Cents, AYER’S SARSAPARILLA, Medium “AYER'S” with Legend “Ayer’s Sarsaparilla to Purify the Blood,” Choice Extremely Fine+.
Rarity-1 (100+ Common) according to Fred Reed. A pleasing example of this short-lived three-month run of Encased Postage as an Emergency Civil War use as small change. The case has sharp clear legends highlighted by its lustrous golden-brassy color. The 1861 U.S. 3¢ red George Washington stamp Postage issue has strong color and is very well centered. It is likely this EP was cleaned long ago with some possible removal of corrosion at the top reverse edge. Overall, a very collectable example of this well known more affordable Boston, Massachusetts area Encased Postage Stamp merchant. (VF Scott Cat. $350)



[Civil War, Massachusetts, 19th Century America] [Encased Postage, George Washington, Merchant Tokens] [Currency, Postage Stamps, Numismatics, Exonumia]