90c Blue (39). Block of four, original gum, deep rich color and proof-like impression, choice centering, the lefthand stamps are extraordinary

EXTREMELY FINE GEM. A GORGEOUS ORIGINAL-GUM BLOCK OF FOUR OF THE SHORT-LIVED 90-CENT 1860 ISSUE IN THE FINEST CONDITION ATTAINABLE. MULTIPLES OF THIS ISSUE ARE EXTREMELY RARE.

The 90c stamp was issued in 1860, along with the 24c and 30c values, all of which were needed to prepay high international letter rates established by various postal treaties. When supplies of current postage stamps were declared invalid in the South and ultimately demonetized by the Federal government, the 90c had been in use for only one year. Most unused multiples probably come from supplies recovered from Southern post offices.

Ex Anderson. With 1980, 1992 and 2003 P.F. certificates. As an indication of rarity, the last block we offered was in our 1998 Zoellner sale.

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