EXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE ONLY REPORTED IMPRINT BLOCK OF THE 1879 ONE-CENT AGRICULTURE AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY PRINTING ON SOFT PAPER. A BLOCK OF FOUR IS ALSO THE LARGEST RECORDED MULTIPLE. ONE OF THE GREATEST RARITIES OF THE ISSUE.

In an effort by the Grant administration to stem the tide of postal abuse, stamps were issued in 1873 for the nine departments of the Executive branch. Stamps were issued to the various departments by the Post Office as needed, and an accounting was kept for budgeting purposes and for reimbursement of the Post Office Department.

The Agriculture Officials were printed from sheets of 100 consisting of one pane. In December 1878 Continental merged with American Bank Note Company, which assumed production for United States stamps early in 1879, including the Officials. As with the regular Bank Note issues, the Officials printed by American can be distinguished by the use of soft, porous paper. Philip Ward recorded only four blocks of four. This is the only one with selvage we were able to locate. A pair with plate number is also known.

Ex Weill and illustrated on the front cover of the December 14, 1989 Christie's catalogue. With 1989 P.F. certificate. Scott value as a block of four without premium for the imprint

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