4c Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Mint N.H. block of four from the top of the sheet, natural straight edge at top, rich color, proof-like impression, top right stamp tiny natural inclusion

FINE. A RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR.

The 4c Columbian color error was caused by the use of a wrong batch of ink, and spectrographic analysis has shown that the blue inks of the 4c error and 1c Columbian have the same components.

Stamps from at least two panes reached collectors, and the few cancelled examples indicate that stamps used by the public came from additional panes. It is likely that a number of full sheets were printed using the wrong ink, and most of the stamps have simply been lost to philately.

With 2014 P.F. certificate as a block of nine (five stamps removed). Scott Retail as singles

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables