United States – Scott # 1390a

Description

Issued in 1970, United States Scott #1390a is a four-stamp se-tenant block from the Environmental Protection commemorative series, released during the early years of the modern environmental movement in the United States. This issue reflects growing public awareness of conservation, wildlife protection, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world, themes that would soon be institutionalized with the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency later that same year.

The block consists of four different 6-cent designs printed together as a single unit, each illustrating a distinct aspect of natural history and cultural heritage. The stamps depict the American Bald Eagle, an African Elephant herd, a Haida ceremonial canoe representing Indigenous culture and craftsmanship, and a prehistoric scene titled The Age of Reptiles. Together, the designs span past and present, human and animal, emphasizing ecological continuity and stewardship.

Printed using multicolor lithography, the stamps feature rich color, fine detail, and a distinctly modern graphic style characteristic of late 1960s and early 1970s U.S. commemoratives. The se-tenant format enhances both visual impact and collectibility, as the stamps were intended to be kept together rather than separated.

This example is offered mint never hinged (MNH), retaining full original gum with no hinge marks, disturbances, or thinning. Color is bright and fresh throughout, margins are clean, and perforations are intact. MNH se-tenant blocks from this period are popular with collectors of thematic material, wildlife issues, and modern U.S. commemoratives.

Country: United States
Year of Issue: 1970
Scott Number: 1390a
Denomination: 6 cents (each)
Format: Se-tenant block of four
Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH)