American Express Co., New York
N.Y., 2c Black on Green (4L1). Uncancelled, large margins to clear of
ornaments, minor white spots in surface coloringVERY FINE. ONE OF THE RAREST OF ALL LOCAL POST STAMPS -- PERHAPS THREE OR FOUR GENUINE EXAMPLES EXIST.
Researchers have argued over the origins of this post, but the best evidence available indicates that it was run briefly in 1856 as American Express Co. (no relation to the well-known firm by the name name) by proprietors Smith and Dobson, and was changed to Smith's City Express Post after Dobson departed. Several excellent forgeries of this stamp exist (the example in the Golden sale is evidently one of the forgeries).
A similar example realized $8,000 hammer in our 2000 Rarities sale. (Image)