5c Blue, Imperforate (315). Mint N.H. centerline block of four, large margins all around, exceptionally fresh color on bright paper, bottom left stamp trivial small natural gum wrinkle

EXTREMELY FINE. AN INCALCULABLY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED CENTER LINE BLOCK OF THE 5-CENT 1908 IMPERFORATE -- FAR RARER THAN A PLATE BLOCK AND THE ONLY EXAMPLE WE HAVE OFFERED IN MINT NEVER-HINGED CONDITION.

According to Johl, only 29 sheets of 400 of the 5c imperforate were issued. Most were sent to Indianapolis and the majority was used by manufacturers of private coils. Some unused were acquired by collectors (including 825 copies distributed to members of the Detroit Philatelic Society). As scarce and desirable as plate blocks are of this issue, centerline blocks are in an entirely separate category of rarity. For each sheet of 400 stamps there would have been eight plate blocks -- and only one centerline block. Power Search contains only one other centerline block (last offered in our 1988 Rarities sale) and it was hinged. The Philatelic Foundation records only this centerline block in Mint N.H. condition.

Unpriced in Scott as Mint N.H. Scott Retail for hinged $9,000.00 (versus $3,000.00 for a hinged plate block). The Scott premium for a Mint N.H. single versus a hinged single is 90%

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