15570

HB-137 EP-167 24¢ J. Gault Extremely Fine. HB-137 EP-167 24¢ J. Gault Extremely Fine.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:750.00 - 1,125.00 USD
HB-137 EP-167 24¢ J. Gault Extremely Fine. HB-137 EP-167 24¢ J. Gault Extremely Fine.
<B>HB-137 EP-167 24¢ J. Gault Extremely Fine.</B></I> Higher denomination Encased Postage from 12¢ to 90¢ needs to be examined very closely as the possibility of pried open cases and replaced stamps is always present. Some pieces are so patently perfect that they are beyond suspicion. Others are easily spotted as fakes due to obvious prying and malformation. The ground between the two extremes is thin ice for any cataloguer, no matter how experienced. This piece rests on such thin ice. The case, while not seriously deformed, has enough marks and irregularities to arouse considerable suspicion. Were it a low denomination piece, it would never be looked at twice, but as a 24¢ caveat emptor is suggested. This cataloger considers himself the best in the business in ferreting out fake and altered Encased Postage, and he leans towards a vote of no confidence regarding this example, but simply is not 100% certain enough to condemn it out of hand. Under these circumstances, we offer this item with a very low estimate and note that this lot is offered without the usual Heritage return privilege.