United States – Scott # 1483a

Description

Issued in 1973, United States Scott #1483a is a se-tenant block commemorating The Boston Tea Party, one of the most iconic events leading to the American Revolution. This issue forms part of the broader Bicentennial Era series, produced in advance of the United States Bicentennial in 1976 to highlight pivotal moments in the nation’s founding.

The four connected 8-cent stamps combine to form a continuous panoramic scene depicting colonists boarding British ships in Boston Harbor and dumping chests of tea into the water in protest of British taxation. The dramatic nighttime setting, illuminated by lantern light, emphasizes secrecy, urgency, and collective action. Surrounding inscriptions reading “The Boston Tea Party” and “Bicentennial Era” frame the design and reinforce its historical significance.

Printed in multicolor lithography, the issue showcases strong narrative detail and a cinematic composition uncommon in earlier U.S. commemoratives. The se-tenant format was essential to the design, intended to be collected as a complete unit rather than separated into individual stamps.

This example is offered mint never hinged (MNH), retaining full original gum with no hinge marks, thinning, or disturbances. Color is rich and even, impressions are sharp, and perforations are intact throughout. MNH examples of this se-tenant block are especially popular with collectors of Revolutionary War history, Bicentennial material, and modern U.S. commemoratives.

Country: United States
Year of Issue: 1973
Scott Number: 1483a
Denomination: 8 cents (each)
Format: Se-tenant block of four
Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH)