 Russian-American Company. 10 Kopeck. Printed in black on thick, off-white parchment with moderate surface granularity. 55mm by 45mm. Upper two corners pierced as issued; widely spaced as shown in Zander Fig.17. The common face (as catalogued in the Clifford Sale) with a company seal using a double headed Imperial Russian eagle within an oval frame, legend in Russian translated UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE OF HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY. The denomination in words below the seal. Tightly spaced and upright. The back (often considered the face by many) has a finely engraved oval protector with spiral details with the Russian legend translated NOTE IN AMERICA with the denomination '10 KOP' below. The serial number frame with 'No' is at the bottom of this oval, outlined white to allow the serial number to be written in. At the base is a shaded box with the authorized signature. No.19733. Twenty four notes contained in the Zander 1996 Census. Of that, at least eleven are in museums and mostly abroad. This example previously reported by Uhl as Private Collection without a grade.
Choice Extremely Fine. Wonderful paper strength and printing clarity. The face shows some minor toning spots and some soiling. The back shows some darkness on the outside vestiges of the oval that might be from printers ink from the note printing process or stacking with other printed notes that were still wet. It does not appear to be heavy circulation soiling. The printing quality of the oval is exceptional and the signature is bold and fully visible. There are no folds or creases whatsoever and we note a tiny pinhole just over the oval to the left of the vertical center line. Superior to the Clifford Specimen of this variety (Bowers & Ruddy Galleries, March 18-20, 1982, lot 346) which also had some smudges that might be a condition diagnostic of any further notes that are encountered in high grades. An exceptional 10 Kopeck that has been off the market since 1963. Tough to exceed on condition and a wonderful example.
Ex Van Horne, December 26, 1963.
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