Encased Postage Stamps
Twenty Four Cents "Ellis McAlpin & Co." Cincinnati, Ohio Rarity-8 (Only 5-10 known) Very Choice Extremely Fine
EP-166, HB-115, S-83, Reed-EM24. Twenty-Four Cents Stamp, ELLIS McALPIN & CO., Cincinnati, Rarity-8 (5-10 known), Very Choice Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-8 (5-10 known) according to Fred Reed. This is an exceedingly rare, major Encased Postage Stamp Merchant Type, of which the twenty-four cents denomination was the highest value issued. This 24 is the only denomination of the six issued by Ellis, McAlpin & Co. to be given valued in the 1989 Hodder-Bowers reference, all others being considered to be unobtainable. This example's Civil War 1861 U.S. Postage issue deep fresh violet George Washington stamp is perfectly centered, bright and sharp in appearance. It is viewed under extremely clean, crystal clear, undisturbed mica. The case is completely defect-free, having a lovely even medium-chestnut color with extremely sharp crisp detail to its legends. We have only offered four prior examples of the Twenty Four Cents Ellis McAlpin & Co.; Early American History Auction's, November 11, 1997 Lot 492 graded Choice EF, sold for $4,312, and June 27, 1998 Lot 492 graded Choice New, stated as "likely the Finest Known," sold for $5,060 and December 11, 2004 Lot 619, grading Extremely Fine, sold for $4,680. The last example was offered August 28, 2015 Lot 2247, grading About Uncirculated which sold for $6,600. An important, lovely quality "Key" Merchant Type high 24 denomination beautiful stamp that is lacking in most collections.
This is the only denomination of six issued by Ellis, McAlpin & Co to be valued in H-B.