DESCRIPTION
5¢ Trans-Mississippi (288), Mint N.H. full top "BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING" imprint and plate number 618 block of four, radiant color, crisp impression
PROVENANCE
"MLG" collection, Siegel Auction Galleries, 4/21/2009, Sale 971, lot 1227, to William H. Gross
CONDITION NOTES
Fine; small hinge mark in ungummed part of selvage (easily trimmed and so counted as Mint N.H.)
SCOTT CATALOGUE VALUE (2019)
$1,600.00
EXTREMELY FINE IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER BLOCK OF SIX OF THE 5-CENT TRANS-MISSISSIPPI ISSUE. TOP PLATE BLOCKS OF SIX ARE RARELY SEEN IN THIS CHOICE MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.
The Trans-Mississippi plate blocks were initially collected in units of four stamps. Plate blocks of six are much scarcer, and top positions are the most desirable. This wide top plate block of six of the 5c has the extra element of quality, by virtue of its choice centering and Mint N.H. condition.