4c Columbian, Error of Color (233a). Mint N.H. block of four with right selvage, deep rich color and proof-like impression, wonderfully well-centered, in particular the two bottom stamps are wide-margined and extraordinarily choice

VERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A SPECTACULAR MINT NEVER-HINGED SELVAGE BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE 4-CENT COLUMBIAN ERROR OF COLOR, WITH TWO EXTREMELY FINE STAMPS AT BOTTOM. THIS IS THE FINEST MINT NEVER-HINGED BLOCK WE HAVE OFFERED IN AT LEAST 30 YEARS.

The 4c Columbian color error was caused by the use of a wrong batch of ink, and spectrographic analysis has shown that the blue inks of the 4c error and 1c Columbian have the same components. Stamps from at least two panes reached collectors, and the few cancelled examples indicate that stamps used by the public came from additional panes. It is likely that a number of full sheets were printed using the wrong ink, and most of the stamps have simply been lost to philately.

A review using Power Search found only six other Mint N.H. blocks of Scott 233a offered in our sales since 1993. Each of those blocks had Fine or Fine-Very Fine centering and a couple had a small fault. The centering on this block is the best among that small population we have offered. Even considering Mint N.H. singles, the two bottom stamps in this block are unsurpassed among examples listed in Power Search.

With 1992 P.F. and 2018 P.S.E. certificates

Image Magnifier / Download

Power Search for Comparables