30c Deep Blue, Presidential (830b). Mint N.H. bottom left plate no. 22164 block of four, exceptionally rich color in the rare Deep Blue shade, manuscript "M" at top of selvage

VERY FINE. A RARE PLATE BLOCK OF THE 30-CENT PRESIDENTIAL IN THE DEEP BLUE SHADE.

According to The Prexies by Roland Rustad, in a report in the American Philatelist President Franklin Roosevelt was presented with two 30c sheets, one in this Deep Blue shade and the other in Ultramarine. He chose the Ultramarine for the issued stamp, and the Blue sheet was taken back to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for destruction. A block of four was saved for President Roosevelt, a known stamp collector. Since then, other examples in the Deep Blue shade have surfaced. It has been speculated that the letter "M" in the selvage was part of a notation made in the hand of FDR, but we are not sure.

With 2016 P.F. certificate. Accompanied by an article on the 30c shades by John M. Hotchner

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