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Zurich 4 Cantonal Stamp
very rarepre-1900

Zurich 4 Cantonal Stamp

Switzerland · 1843 · 4 Rappen

The Zurich 4 is one of the first stamps issued in Switzerland, released by the canton of Zurich. The design is simple, featuring a large numeral '4' at its center, indicating the postage rate of 4 rappen, surrounded by an intricate red line pattern to prevent forgery. This stamp was intended for local letters mailed within the city of Zurich.

Issued on March 1, 1843, this stamp is the second stamp of Switzerland (after the Double Geneva) and the first in the world to feature the denomination as the central design element. It predates the establishment of a unified Swiss federal postal system in 1849.

Printing Method

Lithography

Catalog Numbers

sgZ1
scott1L1
michelZH 1

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Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$20,000
Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$15,000
Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$10,000
Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$5,000
Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$2,500

Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.