24c Pink, 1894 Issue (PR96). Mint N.H. block of four with bottom imprint selvage, h.r. on perfs in selvage only (reinforcing a few minor separations at bottom), brilliant color, outstanding centering with perfs clear of design on all stamps, bottom left stamp small natural gum crease

VERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN EXTREMELY RARE IMPRINT BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 1894 24-CENT UNWATERMARKED BUREAU NEWSPAPER ISSUE, CONTAINING ALL MINT NEVER-HINGED STAMPS.

As this marvelous position multiple shows, the 1894 Bureau printing was made from the old plates of the American and Continental Bank Note Companies. The plates were re-entered, and there are also other differences in the printings, including the paper and gum. This issue was not in service for very long before the new plates were ready for the Bureau-produced issue of 1895.

A Power Search review reveals the rarity of this stamp as an imprint block. We have sold two others since keeping computerized records. One block had all hinged stamps. The second block was Mint N.H. but had Fine centering. The combination of Mint N.H. stamps and Very Fine centering on this block makes it a true condition rarity.

With 2015 P.F. certificate. Unpriced in Scott as Mint N.H. Scott Retail for hinged block of four without regard to the imprint

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