United States – Scott # 829, Plate Block (A)

Description

Issued in 1938, United States Scott #829 features a portrait of President William McKinley and is part of the Presidential Series, commonly referred to by collectors as the Prexies. This definitive series presented U.S. presidents and statesmen in a uniform engraved style and formed the backbone of American postage from the late 1930s through the 1940s.

The stamp depicts McKinley in left-facing profile, engraved with fine line detail and framed by clean, modern typography reading “United States Postage.” Printed in carmine-rose, the 25-cent denomination was intended for higher-value postal services, including certain international rates and bulk or combined mailings. As a result, higher-denomination Prexies such as this were produced and used in smaller quantities than lower values.

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, thinning, or disturbances. Color is fresh and even, impressions are sharp, and perforations are intact throughout. MNH plate blocks of higher-denomination Prexies are especially desirable, combining condition rarity with strong display appeal.

Scott #829 is an important issue for collectors of U.S. definitives, Presidential Series material, and plate-number multiples from the classic Bureau era.

Country: United States
Year of Issue: 1938
Scott Number: 829
Denomination: 25 cents
Subject: William McKinley
Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH), plate block of four