In 1909, the U.S. issued a stamp in celebration of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (Scott #370), along with an imperforate version (Scott #371), which is far more scarce. 525,400 of the imperforate stamps were issued, and Scott prices it at $ 17.50 unused ($ 37.50 for NH). I believe that the best format in which to purchase these is as plate blocks of 6 (Scott '10 CV = $ 225.00 for unused, $ 350.00 for NH) or as centerline blocks of 4 (Scott ' CV = $ 175.00 for unused, $ 300.00 for NH). As these were issued in panes of 70, only about 7,500 of each of these postional blocks were issued, and many were probably broken up.
This issue is interesting because as an Alaska Topical, or item of interest for Alaska memorabilia collectors, it represents a bet on the economic development of the state, America's "final frontier"- rich in natural resources and with vast potential for economic growth.
As with the Hudson-Fulton imperforate recommended earlier, gum bends are a common condition problem with this issue, so endeavor to select blocks that are free of them.
0 comments:
Post a Comment