Scott #C18 - 50¢ Graf Zeppelin “Century of Progress” Plate Block of 4 - Mint NH, Plate No. 21171

Scott C18 – 1933 50¢ Zeppelin Airmail Plate Block of 4 – Mint, Plate No. 21171

This mint plate block of four from Scott C18, the 1933 50¢ “Century of Progress / Zeppelin” airmail issue, is a well-preserved example of one of the most recognizable U.S. aviation-themed stamps. Issued in conjunction with the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, C18 commemorates the Graf Zeppelin's promotional flight and represents the final Zeppelin-related airmail stamp issued by the United States.

The block includes the full right selvage bearing Plate Number 21171, with bright green color typical of this issue and clean perforations. Mint multiples of C18 remain popular among collectors of Zeppelin mail, early U.S. airmail, World's Fair material, and classic BEP intaglio designs. This block is offered in mint condition; EZGrader results are available upon request to provide additional clarity on centering and margins.

Key Details

• Scott Number: C18
• Issue Year: 1933
• Denomination: 50¢
• Issue Name: “Century of Progress / Zeppelin Flight”
• Color: Green
• Format: Mint plate block of four
• Plate Number: 21171
• Printing Method: Intaglio (engraved)
• Printer: Bureau of Engraving & Printing (BEP)
• Classification: Back-of-Book Airmail Issue

Design Notes

• Features the Graf Zeppelin LZ-127 flying over the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair grounds
• Marked the final U.S. Zeppelin airmail issue
• Popular among collectors of aviation history, exhibition issues, and early 20th-century engraved U.S. stamps
• Frequently included in specialized airmail collections alongside earlier Zeppelin issues and 1930s airpost classics

Collector Appeal

• Attractive choice for collectors of:
– Zeppelin postal history
– Mint U.S. airmail multiples
– World's Fair and exposition themes
– BEP engraved issues
– Early aviation-related philately

• Strong crossover interest among those collecting U.S. Back-of-Book issues, transportation themes, and 1930s postal history

Image Note

• The plate block shown is the exact item being offered
• Stored carefully for handling and ready for album placement or protective archiving