$5.00 Dark Green (278). Mint N.H. wide top imprint and plate no. 85 strip of three, deep rich color and sharp proof-like impression, well-centered and completely sound

VERY FINE AND CHOICE. AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE WIDE TOP MINT NEVER-HINGED IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER STRIP OF THREE OF THE $5.00 1895 WATERMARKED BUREAU ISSUE. THIS IS THE ONLY EXAMPLE WE HAVE OFFERED IN AT LEAST 30 YEARS.

A Power Search review reveals how rare Scott 278 is as a Mint N.H. imprint and plate number strip. The only examples we have offered since 1994 were a bottom strip of three (small crease, Sale 1244, lot 373) and a narrow top strip of three with hinge remnant in selvage (Sale 920, lot 157). We have also only offered eight unduplicated Mint N.H. singles since 1994. This wide top Mint N.H. strip, in sound and centered condition is in a class by itself. It is also an excellent alternative to a plate block, of which only one hinged exists (and catalogues $200,000).

With 2013 P.S.E. certificate (VF 80; unpriced in SMQ).

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