5c Red Brown (1). Block of four, original gum, full to large margins all around, worn-plate impression in a beautiful bright shade, exceptionally fresh, accompanying certificate notes light vertical creases, these are caused by the naturally crackly gum that is typical of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson's work

EXTREMELY FINE FOR AN ORIGINAL-GUM MULTIPLE OF THE 1847 ISSUE. IN FACT, THIS BEAUTIFUL BLOCK OF FOUR, WITH ITS RICH COLOR AND SOUNDNESS, IS ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE RECORDED 5-CENT 1847 ISSUE MULTIPLES.

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.

Our surveys of auction records found fewer than 20 unused blocks of four or larger of the 5c 1847 Issue. The example offered here, with light vertical creases but with four large margins, is easily one of the choicest and is a rare opportunity for the collector who pursues only the finest condition classic stamps.

Ex "Sevenoaks" (as a block of six) and Whitman. With 2002 P.F. certificate.

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