Arthur M. Claflin one cent encased postage stamp, 1862
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1862
Claflin merchant type. Encased postage stamps were a form of emergency currency used during the American Civil War when metal coinage was frequently hoarded. This specimen features a standard United States one-cent postage stamp depicting Benjamin Franklin, encased in a protective metallic frame.
The stamp is characterized by its bold, rich blue color and is protected by a thin, clear mica window held in place by a subdued, lustrous golden-brass casing. The frame is designed with circular cut-outs on the sides, securing the stamp while allowing it to be visible. This particular piece is identified by references including EP-11, HB-89, S-59, and Reed CL01-01. As an Arthur M. Claflin issue from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, it represents one of the 34 major merchant types and is noted for its exceptional preservation, with a clear and unbroken mica cover and sharp, well-centered details.
Such items served both as functional legal tender and as localized advertising for merchants of the period.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- golden-brass and mica
- Denomination
- One Cent
Technical characteristics
- Catalog references
- EP-11, HB-89, S-59, Reed CL01-01
Design
- Obverse
- Benjamin Franklin portrait
- Inscription
- Arthur M. Claflin, Hopkinton, MA., One Cent
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Arthur M. Claflin
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Recorded
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.