This mint never hinged block of four was issued on March 24, 1912, as part of the early Republic of China postal reforms following the fall of the Qing Dynasty. Each stamp bears the classic Coiling Dragon motif printed in dark brown by the Statistical Department of the Shanghai Customs Post in collaboration with Waterlow & Sons Ltd. The overprint in vertical Sung-style Chinese characters declares the new national identity, reading “Republic of China.” Printed using gravure on unwatermarked paper with perforation varieties ranging from line perf 12 to 16, including compound types, this issue symbolizes China’s transitional era between imperial and republican governance. Catalogued as Scott IM 146, Michel CN-IM 94, Yvert CN-IM 83, Stanley Gibbons CN-IM 192, and CSS CN-IM 184a. The present example is a well-centered mint block with full original gum, post office fresh condition and intact perforations, making it a desirable multiple for both thematic and specialist collectors. Estimate "$180 – 220"