5c Orange Brown, Ty. II (30). Block of nine, original gum, center stamp Mint N.H., others very lightly hinged, radiant color, the center horizontal row (with the Mint N.H. stamp) is particularly well-centered, few sensibly reinforced perf separations, left center stamp tiny thin spot

VERY FINE-EXTREMELY FINE. A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF NINE OF THE 1861 5-CENT ORANGE BROWN. THIS IS THE SECOND LARGEST RECORDED MULTIPLE OF THIS ISSUE -- IT IS IN MUCH BETTER CONDITION THAN THE LARGER BLOCK. THE CENTER STAMP, WITH SUPERIOR CENTERING AND MINT NEVER-HINGED ORIGINAL GUM, IS ONE OF THE FINEST EXAMPLES EXTANT.

Although a relatively large number of 5c Orange Browns reached collectors from unused supplies left over after the issue was demonetized due to the Civil War, multiples are scarce, and most have been broken to feed the market's desire for singles. The largest recorded multiple is a block of 32 with selvage at top and right (offered in our 2001 Rarities sale). This is the only recorded block of nine, which is the second largest recorded multiple.

Ex Caspary and Stanitz. With 1975 and 2006 P.F. certificates. Scott Retail as block of four, strip of three and pair.

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