 'NATIONAL CURRENCY. By the Laws of Congress. This Bill of FIVE DOLLARS, based on real property secured by land and mortgage,...' Plate 'A'. 'No.5838'. 'Washington, D.C., July 4, 1838'. Printed white bond paper. 180mm by 73mm. Framed within an ornate and repeating border pattern are a row of three vignettes in a panel over the titles, and the ''fine print'' text. Across the top panel are a plow, loom, and ship with the plate letter left and serial number at the far right. In the center, splitting the title 'NATIONAL CURRENCY.', is an eagle holding the American shield from its beak; below 'By the Laws of Congress.'
On each side is a '5' counter. At the bottom center is the text in five lines: 'This Bill of FIVE DOLLARS, based on real property secured by land and mortgage, shall pass current as a legal tender, at its nominal value, in any part of the United States, in payments of debts and contract, not otherwise specially provided for; and will be so received at the National Treasury.-Signed by order of the Trustees of the National Loan Office, Washington, D.C., July 4, 1838.' On the bottom are engraved block ''signatures'' of 'B. Franklin, Secretary' and 'G. Washington, Controller'. In the left is the American Flag and motto 'IN UNION THERE IS STRENGTH'. In the right panel, slogan 'Honesty is the best policy;-as it is by MORAL FORCE that our Republic MUST be supported.'
Rulau HT-20A (page 252). Not in the Leidman Sale. A very scarce type that comes in at least one other paper type [dark green] and perhaps with text varieties as well. A lovely grade note with some light folds, but absolutely no harsh detriments. Much embossing from the original printing is evident when viewed from the back. The catalogue value is a bit low in our estimation. Choice Very Fine and with the look of a nearly ''new'' note. Premium quality.
At first glance, this note is dangerously official in its overall tone. The satire emerges forcefully when the viewer discovers the names B. FRANKLIN, Secretary; G. Washington, Controller, both of whom had been dead for more than 30 years.
| |
|
