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Encased Postage Stamp, EP-87 5¢ JOHN W. NORRIS Chicago, Rarity-9 (2 to 4 Known)

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Encased Postage Stamp, EP-87 5¢  JOHN W. NORRIS Chicago, Rarity-9 (2 to 4 Known)
Encased Postage Stamps
Important Rarity-9 Five Cents "John W. Norris" Chicago
EP-87, HB-186, S-138. Reed NO05. Five Cents. JOHN W. NORRIS, News - Books & Stationary, Chicago. Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-9 (2 to 4 known) according to Fred Reed. This Five Cents "John W. Norris" Encased Postage Stamp is such a great rarity that it is listed having only dashes instead of values, in “The Standard Catalogue” reference by Hodder and Bowers, and in the Fred Reed reference book. This EP-87 an estimated population of only about five pieces (if this example is a new discovery), since John Ford, Jr. Collection sale was held in 2004. The overall quality of this circulated major rarity starts with its rich brown Thomas Jefferson stamp. It is very well centered, viewed under solid unbroken clear mica having expected traces of light surface circulation. The case is a natural olive-chestnut in color obverse rim a bit flat from a light horizontal bend on the lower reverse above the word MADISON of this merchant’s address. The reverse legends are exceedingly sharp, clear and defect-free but for a few scattered shallow hairlines in the field, with natural even chestnut color and traces of underlying luster in places. This exceedingly rare 5¢ denomination absolutely ranks as one of the finest known, in a population of less than a handful known to exist. The last example of EP-87 we sold was July 14, 2012 EAHA Auction Lot #101718 graded About New selling for $6,490. A pleasing “Key” merchant type, and rare denomination that is missing in most all collections.