Encased Postage Stamps
Twenty Four Cents “Ellis McAlpin & Co.” Ohio Rarity-8 !
EP-166, HB-115, S-83, Reed-EM24. Twenty-Four Cents. ELLIS McALPIN & CO. Cincinnati. Choice About Uncirculated.
Rated as Rarity-8 (5-10 known) according to Fred Reed. An exceedingly rare, major Encased Postage Stamp Merchant type, of which the Twenty-Four Cents denomination is the highest value produced. The violet-gray George Washington stamp is superbly, 100% perfectly centered, and clear in appearance. It is seen under extremely clean, crystal clear, undisturbed mica. The defect-free case has a lovely even medium-chestnut color with extremely sharp detail to its legends. We have offered four prior examples of the Twenty Four Cents Ellis McAlpin & Co.. Our EAHA Auction, November 11, 1997, Lot 492, graded Choice EF, sold for $4,312, 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. Our last example was offered August 28, 2015, Lot 2247, grading Choice About Uncirculated which sold for $6,600. An opportunity to acquire a highly elusive 24¢ denomination and “Key” Merchant Type that is missing in most collections.