very rarepre-1900

Zurich 4 Rappen, Black with Red Vertical Lines

Name: Zurich 4 Rappen, Black with Red Vertical Lines
Brand: Switzerland
Availability: InStock

Switzerland · 1843 · 4 Rappen

This is one of the first stamps issued in Switzerland, from the Canton of Zurich. The design features a large numeral '4' at its center, indicating the postage value of 4 rappen, set against a background of fine red vertical lines. This stamp, along with its 6 rappen counterpart, was created by lithographer J.J. Ulrich and is notable for its simple yet functional design.

Issued on March 1, 1843, the Zurich 4 and 6 were the first stamps issued in continental Europe, following Great Britain's Penny Black by only three years. These cantonal issues predate the establishment of a unified Swiss federal postal system in 1849.

Printing Method

Lithography

Themes

numeral cantonal-issue classic-philately

Catalog Numbers

sgZ1

scott1L1

michelZü 1

Estimated Values by Condition

Superb(S)

Perfectly centered, fresh, no faults

$15,000

Extremely Fine(XF)

Well centered, fresh colors

$10,000

Very Fine(VF)

Nicely centered, minor flaws

$6,500

Fine(F)

Average centering, acceptable

$3,000

Good(G)

Off-center or visible wear

$1,200

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