50c Trans-Pacific, Air Post (C22). Mint N.H. wide top plate no. F 21625 block of six, vivid color, outstanding centering throughout

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. THIS IS THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED EXAMPLE OF THE EXTREMELY RARE WIDE TOP PLATE BLOCK OF THE 50-CENT CLIPPER ISSUE WE HAVE HANDLED. THIS SUPERB BLOCK HAS BEEN GRADED XF-SUPERB 95 BY P.S.E.

Advanced collectors of U.S. plate blocks understand that this issue is far rarer as a wide top Mint N.H. plate block than even the $2.60 Graf Zeppelin. There are perhaps 10 or fewer Mint N.H. examples extant. A Power Search review found only three other examples offered in our auctions since 1993. This is the finest centered of that small population. The Scott Catalogue notes "wide full selvage top margin plate blocks of No. C22 are extremely scarce and sell for $3,000.00 or more..." (versus $85.00 price for regular plate block).

With photocopy of 2010 P.S.E. certificate (XF-Superb 95; plate blocks unpriced in SMQ)

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