2c Yorktown, Horizontal Pair, Imperforate Vertically (703c). Top plate nos. 20653 (vignette) and 20649 (frame) and arrow block of ten, full selvage at right and left, top right stamp and selvage at top left lightly hinged, others Mint N.H., rich color and detailed impressions, unusually choice centering

VERY FINE TO EXTREMELY FINE. THIS IS THE UNIQUE BOTTOM DOUBLE PLATE NUMBER BLOCK OF TEN OF THE 2-CENT YORKTOWN ISSUE, IMPERFORATE VERTICALLY. ONE OF THE GREATEST 20TH CENTURY COMMEMORATIVE RARITIES.

The 2c Yorktown was issued on October 19, 1931, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the surrender of General Cornwallis to General Washington at Yorktown. Because previous Revolutionary War stamps had honored our allies from Germany and Poland, it was suggested that the French should be honored with the new issue. Rochambeau and DeGrasse were selected in recognition of their contribution to Washington's victory at Yorktown.

There were two distinct printings of this issue, using different plate layouts. The first employed 100-subject plates for both the frame and vignette. However, due to problems with paper shrinkage the vignettes were difficult to align to the frame, resulting in excessive waste. The second printing was made from a 100-subject plate for the frame, but a 50-subject plate was used for printing the vignette. This allowed for greater control, thereby significantly reducing waste.

The imperforate-vertically error occurred during production from the second plate configuration. We know this because different plate numbers were used for the first and second layouts. We also know that only one pane of 50, rather than a sheet of 100, was produced with vertical rows of perforations missing, because the perforations were applied after the sheets of 100 with the frame impression were divided into panes of 50 for the second press run. Therefore, we can be reasonably certain that this bottom plate number multiple is unique.

Purple Weill backstamp in selvage. Scott Retail as four Mint N.H. pairs, without premium for the plate block or two additional stamps.

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