United States – Scott # 808, Plate Block

Description

Issued in 1938, United States Scott #808 features a portrait of James Madison and is part of the Presidential Series, commonly known as the Prexies. This long-running definitive series honored U.S. presidents and statesmen in a uniform engraved style and served as the backbone of American postal usage from the late 1930s into the early 1950s.

The stamp presents Madison in left-facing profile, engraved with fine line detail and framed by simple, modern typography reading “United States Postage.” Printed in violet, the 4-cent denomination was frequently used for double domestic letter rates and various auxiliary postal services, making it a widely utilized value during the Prexie era.

This offering is a mint never hinged (MNH) plate block of four, with the plate number clearly visible in the selvage. The block retains full original gum with no hinge marks, disturbances, or thinning. Color is fresh and even, impressions are sharp, and perforations are intact throughout. Plate blocks from the Presidential Series are popular with collectors for their combination of design consistency, historical significance, and identifiable production detail.

Scott #808 is a standard yet essential issue for collectors of U.S. definitives, presidential portraits, and plate-number material, with MNH plate blocks offering added desirability over singles.

Country: United States
Year of Issue: 1938
Scott Number: 808
Denomination: 4 cents
Subject: James Madison
Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH), plate block of four