3c Orange Red, First Design (56 var). Bottom imprint and plate no. 2 block of twelve, original gum, h.r., radiant color which is distinctly different than the primary Brown Rose color, few perf separations sensibly reinforced

VERY FINE. AN EXTREMELY RARE IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER BLOCK OF TWELVE OF THE 1861 3-CENT FIRST DESIGN IN THE ORANGE RED TRIAL COLOR.

The Chapin census lists one plate block of twelve, which is the largest recorded plate number multiple. We assume that the Chapin census was limited to the Brown Rose 3c First Design, Scott 56. Plate number blocks of any 3c First Design shade are exceedingly rare.

With 1992 P.F. certificate. Scott Retail as plate block of eight (any shade) and four singles

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