Need Help With The Grading And Value Of Encased Stamp

Hi

Not too knowledgeable on stamps ....I do know its a 1862 encased 5 cent J. Gault postage. ...I would like to know about grading and value ....I had a stamp dealer who didn't even seeit except from smaller pics than this offer only $40 for it ...That just doesn't seem right ....SO HELP PLEASE! ! NEED TO FIND A BUYER OR A PLACE TO SELL IT ASAP! Thanks Everyone

Very nice! my 2012 Scotts Specialized lists that at $850. From Schapker & Bussing Drygoods in Evansville Ind. Don't know where you get the J. Gault. The name is right on the back.
You're right $40 is way too cheap, but don't expect to get full catalogue value. Even at quarter catalogue you should get over $200. I'd expect you could get more.
Good luck, though.

Thank you ...I seen up to 1100 so far but I figured that 40 was way low and hoping for at least 10 times his offer lol

Gault is the man on the stamp I presume ...Every site I looked at has his name ...I believe he came up with the idea of encasing them ...

The man on the stamp is Thomas Jefferson. The stamp is US Scott #76, which was then encased.

The 'mica' (clear plastic) on the front of yours is cracked. Can't tell alot - would need a better picture - but it appears to be badly damaged. Possibly stained underneath. This will detract from its value significantly.

In any case, a great item & somewhat scarce. In my mind, I'd say don't take less than $100, but $400 may be a stretch...

Hi and Thank you ...The mica is indeed cracked and missing a piece ...However there isn't any staining that I can see with a loop ...Unfortunately there is a crease from where the mica has cracked away ...:-[

Although there are some minor condition issues (not surprising since more than 150 years old and in circulation, manufactured in 1862), this is a very desirable item. It is listed in the Scott US Specialized catalog as EP157. In the catalog, grading is mentioned as to encompass three areas:
1. Case will show signs of wear or handling and signs of original toning.
2. Mica will be intact with no pieces missing.
3. Stamp will be fresh with no signs of toning or wrinkling.
Catalog values in Scott are for very fine examples with mica intact, although signs of circulation are to be expected.

My Scott 2014 catalog shows the value to be $1000. I don't know if the 2015 valuation has changed, but expect it not to have much if any. As others, I agree the $40 is way too low of an offer. I would expect at least $150-200+,to be a reasonable dealer offer, and a pricing to collectors greater, perhaps $300-500, but it would take more time to find a buyer at that price. You may consider putting it in a coin or stamp auction to get a stronger realization than selling to a dealer or waiting to find a private buyer, but it will take longer to get your money (unless an advance is available). Also, ebay is an option as a reserve auction or "Buy It Now".

Cheers and good luck. Dave

John Gault was the inventor and patent holder for encased postage stamps.

Thank you Dave and everyone else ....I appreciate all of your advice....I have decided to take my time doing this as suggested .....

Fair input here from others on value. Typically condition is everything, but with a $1000 catalog value it suggests it is a very scarce item, and therefore a collector of these may pay a higher premium. The $400-500 for a collector seems fair. If it was a different type and only catalogued $100, and was in this damaged mica condition then even $30 might be too much as better options are more likely to come along.

The patina and wear does all look original. DO NOT CLEAN IT!

Thank you ....I won't clean it .....I did that years ago with a coin and never again lol......Thank you so very much once again for your help ...