15c John Paul Jones, Perf 12 (1789B). Mint N.H. bottom left corner plate nos. A0001-A0005 block of ten, fresh colors and well-centered throughout

VERY FINE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE MINT NEVER-HINGED PLATE BLOCK OF THE PERF 12 JOHN PAUL JONES ISSUE. THIS IS THE FIRST WE HAVE OFFERED AT AUCTION IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS.

This issue was printed by the American Bank Note Company and perforated in three different formats: Perf 11 x 12 (Scott 1789), Perf 11 All Around (Scott 1789A) and Perf 12 All Around (Scott 1789B). It is believed that the USPS was unaware that there were different perforations. The Perf 12 All Around is by far the rarest. We have not offered any type of multiple -- much less a plate block since keeping computerized records in 1993. Consultation with a leading dealer expert on this issue revealed that there are probably fewer than eight in existence (a sheet of 200 would yield four plate blocks).

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