Zurich 4 Rappen, Black with Red Lines
Switzerland · 1843 · 4 Rappen
This stamp, known as the Zurich 4, features a large numeral '4' at its center, indicating its face value of 4 Rappen. The design is characterized by a background of fine vertical red lines, a security feature intended to prevent forgery. It was issued for local postage within the city of Zurich.
Issued by the canton of Zurich in 1843, this was the first stamp issued in continental Europe, following Great Britain's Penny Black by only three years. It represents a pioneering step in postal reform before the establishment of a unified Swiss federal postal system in 1849.
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View on Wikimedia CommonsEstimated Values by Condition
Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults
Well centered, fresh colors
Nicely centered, minor flaws
Average centering, acceptable
Off-center or visible wear
Prices are approximate market estimates for educational purposes. Actual values depend on specific factors including cancel type, margins, and provenance.