1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp Emergency Currency, EP-41, HB-97, Scott-67, Reed-DO03, Dougan (The Hatter) Three Cents, with its unique “TOP HAT” Vignette on reverse, New York, Very Fine / Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-7 (11 to 15 known) according to Fred Reed. The Hodder-Bowers reference is more conservative in their assessment as they mention that all Dougan Encased Postage is rare with the 3¢ having a population of fewer than ten example known. Dougan the Hatter is extremely popular with collectors as it was the only issuer to use an illustration of his Top Hat product on his encasements. A sharp clear Top Hat decorates the reverse advertising side making this a very desirable example as the Hat is so well struck and sharp in detail together with its legends. The three cents George Washington red 1861 issue U.S. Stamp is well centered yet a bit high and somewhat faded. The mica is unbroken yet has some natural internal crazing from about 24:00 to 7:00 between the rims and trivial other areas. The light chestnut toned brass case has a light dent in the right side obverse tab and the reverse side appears Extremely Fine being attractive with detailed lettering. Overall, an important rarity for its Top Hat and having less than about ten known. In fact, since 1975 over half a century Early American History Auctions have only offered four other examples; December 11, 1999 Lot 574, Choice EF which sold for $3,450; August 26, 2006 Lot 927 Extremely Fine which sold for $2,775; November 15, 2008 Lot 167, EF which brought $3.010; and April 25, 2014 Lot 15, AU which sold for $3,835. Now is your opportunity to acquire this important example. (2026 Scott Cat. $2,450 in VF)

[Civil War, 19th Century America, American Numismatics] [Encased Postage, George Washington, Dougan the Hatter] [Currency, Postage Stamps, Numismatics, Exonumia]