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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, for use within the canton of Zurich. The design features a large, prominent numeral '4' at its center, indicating the postage value of 4 rappen, surrounded by an intricate red line pattern to prevent forgery. This stamp was intended for local letters weighing up to half a lot (about 15 grams).

Issued on March 1, 1843, the Zurich cantonal stamps are the second-oldest in Switzerland (after the Double Geneva) and the third-oldest in the world. They predate 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

$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.