1862 Civil War Era Encased Postage Stamp, EP-77, HB-122, S-90, Reed TH05, Five Cents, GAGE BROTHERS & DRAKE, “Tremont House” Chicago, Very Fine+.


Rated as Rarity-2 (51 to 100 Known) according to Fred Reed. A nice example of this Chicago Merchant with the case toned to a natural chestnut-brown in color with some mottled deeper tone on the reverse at upper right. There is a small depression in the right obverse moon from circulation and the mica has some scattered hits and craze above the left moon to the rim edge. The 5¢ deep brown Thomas Jefferson 1861 Civil War US Postage issue stamp looks well centered and clean, with a short wrinkle on his forehead. (VF Scott Cat. $750)

[Civil War, Illinois, 19th Century America] [Encased Postage, Thomas Jefferson, Merchant Tokens] [Currency, Postage Stamps, Numismatics, Exonumia]