786

Encased Postage Stamps

Currency:CAD Category:Coins & Paper Money / World Coins - Canada Start Price:250.00 CAD Estimated At:500.00 - 700.00 CAD
Encased Postage Stamps
SOLD
700.00CAD+ buyer's premium (140.00)
This item SOLD at 2016 Jul 21 @ 20:32UTC-4 : AST/EDT


Buyer’s Premiums will be added on all items as per the Terms & Conditions of the sale. Invoices will be emailed out following the RCNA Convention. Visit gbellauctions.com to view a digital copy of the catalogue for this sale.
Encased Postage Stamps - Pat. Aug. 12, 1862/ J. Gault, 10 cents, green, Washington.

During the American civil war as a result of suspension of specie payment in 1861, the silver shortage became apparent. John Gault invented the idea of an encased postage stamp that could serve as small change. In 1862, Scovil Button Works in Connecticut produced the encased stamps in quantity. Weir & Larminie were the only Canadian users with approximately 250 American firms taking advantage of the tokens. It is thought only about 1000 specimens survive today.