Encased Five Cent Ben Franklin Postage Stamp

Item Details

An encased five-cent Benjamin Franklin postage stamp (Scott #948). The stamp encased is still very white to the border and blue stamp very vivid. The raised lettering on reverse reads to outer edges: ‘Loans On Stamps & Coins – Under State Supervision’ – Center reads: ‘Albert W. Ault – First National Bank Bldg Cincinnati, O’. See a similar encased postage stamp in lot 15CIN432-705.

Due to the widespread hoarding of coins during the Civil War, postage stamps were used for currency. John Gault invented the first encased postage stamp in 1862 which made them more suitable for circulation. Stamps were wrapped around a circular cardboard disc and encased in a brass jacket. Raised lettering on the backs of the brass jackets advertised the goods and services of business firms and banks.

Condition

Recommend preview for own personal assessment on this rare gem.

Dimensions

Measurement of outer brass jacket.

Item #

15CIN432-706