Franklin D. Roosevelt & Sec. of Treasury Signed 50-Stamp Block Celebrating Rhode Island Tercentenary

A stamp block commemorating the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Rhode Island signed by 32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) as "Franklin D Roosevelt" and by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Jr. (1891-1967) as "Henry Morgenthau Jr." along the bottom margin. Roosevelt's signature is slightly feathered. The stamp block is largely intact, though a few stamps found along the edges have become partly detached along the perforations. This is especially true of the four stamps between the second and third columns at right. A small yellow stain affects one stamp in the second row, mentioned just for accuracy. Partial mounting traces verso, else near fine. 10.125" x 9."

The stamp block, serial number 21561, consists of 50 3-cent Rhode Island Tercentenary violet stamps, U.S. #777. Each stamp depicts colonial founder Roger Williams, after a statue of him located near the State House in Providence, Rhode Island. Over 67,000,000 stamps were originally issued on May 4, 1936.

FDR was himself a noted stamp collector; his collection included U.S. and international postage from Latin and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He acquired stamps at auction, via dealers and stamp shows, and was gifted many stamps by well-wishers as well. Roosevelt's hobby informed presidential business: some 200 U.S. stamps were released during his 12-year-long presidency, commemorating fairs, parks, and other achievements, such as this diminutive state's 300th birthday.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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