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Encased Postage Stamp, Five Cents. Major Key Merchant, DRINK SANDS ALE

Currency:USD Category:Stamps Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:9,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Encased Postage Stamp, Five Cents. Major Key Merchant, DRINK SANDS ALE
Encased Postage Stamps
Major Merchant “Key” “DRINK SAND’S ALE” Five Cents
EP-90, HB-207, S-151, Reed MI05. Five Cents. DRINK SANDS’ ALE (Chicago, IL.), Extremely Fine/About New.
Rated as Rarity-8 (5 to 10 Known) according to Fred Reed. “The Standard Catalogue” by Michael Hodder and Q. David Bowers, states that Drink Sands’ Ale is the second rarest among all of the 34 Encased Postage Merchants completing a full set. This 5¢ denomination is recognized as the only “Collectible” denomination available for collectors to own. Every other denomination being rated by Fred Reed as either Rarity-9, Unique, or simply having listed a “?” (signifying them to be questionable as to their very existence). That simple fact helps shows just how difficult it is for collectors to acquire any example of this extremely important, “Key” Merchant type.

This Encased Postage Stamp has a beautiful bright and lustrous frosty golden-brass color to the defect-free, non-tampered case which is as made, having been cleaned long ago. The reverse text letters remain extremely sharp and bold with some signs of light circulation. The rich brown Thomas Jefferson stamp is very well centered with full original, deep fresh brown color. The mica shows prior circulation with one small lamination craze, located just above the right moon at the rim at bottom and some scattered top surface craze. This “Drink Sands’ Ale” has an amazing appearance. Its reverse side appears to be full frosty mint luster bloom, being created from its natural retoning and providing impressive eye appeal. Elusive and in great collector demand, we believe that this specimen will receive significant competitive attention.

There was only one example of the 5¢ EP-90 in the Stack’s, John J. Ford, Jr. Auction of June 2004, graded Choice EF with the reverse partially silvered, selling for $9,200. The example we offered as EAHA, Lot #854 of the Dr. Gratz Collection, August 2005, graded Choice Very Fine+, sold for $10,620. The frustrated underbidder on that piece later purchased a 5¢ Drink Sands’ Ale of about the same quality, out of another auction, paying $16,500. to finally acquire his example. Collector demand of this rarity is strong and competitive. Serious consideration should be contemplated towards acquiring this Key, “DRINK SAND’S ALE” Merchant rarity.