5c Red Brown (1). Block of six, original gum, huge margins to just in at top right and bottom right, fresh and bright color, bottom left stamp small natural paper inclusion, some slight creasing which is naturally caused by gum (typical of this issue)

FINE TO EXTREMELY FINE. A RARE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF SIX OF THE 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE. THIS REMARKABLE BLOCK WAS DISCOVERED IN THE RIVES FAMILY BIBLE, ALONG WITH THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE BLOCK OF SIX OFFERED IN OUR 2018 AUCTION OF THE WILLIAM H. GROSS COLLECTION. A REMARKABLE RARITY.

The 1847 Issue is much scarcer in unused condition than other issues, because the stamps were demonetized in 1851. They could be exchanged for the new issue, but once the exchange period ended, the stamps would have no postage value. Considering the purchasing power of five or ten cents in 1851, it is not surprising that the stamps were either used or exchanged, rather than left for future generations of collectors in a hobby that did not yet exist.

According to information uncovered during our research of the 10c 1847 Issue block of six, the block offered here was discovered, with the 10c block of six, in the Rives family bible, sometime between 1909 and 1912. It was first sold at auction by Philadelphia Stamp Co. on June 28, 1912, where it realized $190, or three times catalogue value. For a full description of the discovery, go to https://siegelauctions.com/2018/1188/14.pdf .

With 1977 P.F. certificate.

Scott Retail as a block of four and a pair

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