Encased Postage Stamps
Rarity-9 (One of Two Confirmed Known)

“North American Life Insurance Company” Curved “INSURANCE” With “Ribbed Frame” Type
EP-126, HB-198, S-143b, Reed-NA10CURB. Ten Cents, “NORTH AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.” New York. Curved “INSURANCE” Type. Extremely Fine.
Rated as Rarity-9 (2 to 4 Known) according to Fred Reed. Michael Hodder states in, THE STANDARD CATALOG, “One or Two Known” and uses dashes (unpriced) for valuation. Current thought remains that this is one of only Two Known. The only other example known being sold in the John J. Ford Sale, June 2004, Lot 580, graded Choice Extremely Fine. This current specimen also grades Extremely Fine. The deep green George Washington stamp is well centered. It is seen through clear, unbroken mica that has a 1/2” long natural mica lamination craze from the left obverse moon to Washington’s right shoulder. The case is golden-chestnut in color and a darker reddish-brown toning about the outer reverse peripheral edges. This Encased Postage Stamp is a major “Key” rarity to the series, being One of the Two Known. Any collector wishing to complete a full set of Encased Postage Stamps needs to acquire this great rarity.