Fr. 316 (W-2177). 1886 $20 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 66 PPQ.

Fr. 316 (W-2177). 1886 $20 Silver Certificate. PCGS Gem New 66 PPQ.，Another Joel R. Anderson Collection landmark-the finest graded example by far of the last variety for the highly elusive "Diamond Back" design. This note features the same Rosecrans-Nebeker signature combination of the previous variety in the standard texts, but bears a Small Red Scalloped Treasury Seal at the lower right. <p>The offered piece is by far the finest graded example of the variety and is the only one to achieve a fully Uncirculated grade from either grading service. The second highest note in the PCGS population report is an About New 53 we sold in August 2012 for $58,750. PMGs finest graded is About Uncirculated 58. This high-end Gem Silver Certificate is wonderfully framed by large margins and is darkly printed with a cherry red seal. The all-important ornate "Diamond Back" design is perfectly centered and printed in vivid detail. This note realized $241,500 when it last sold in June 2011 and is no less rare or desirable than it was then.<p><p><p><strong>$20 Silver Certificates, Series of 1886</strong><p>The Series of 1886 Silver Certificates, which were first printed in calendar year 1887, have at the center a portrait the late Daniel Manning, who served as Secretary of the Treasury from 1885 to 1887 and died in office the latter year. Similar to the depiction of the recently deceased Thomas A. Hendricks on the related $10 Silver Certificate, the $20 honored a man whose memory was still fresh when the notes were first issued. The portrait was engraved by Lorenzo Hatch. To the left a seated woman holds a cherry tree (?) branch, with a cornucopia overflowing with agricultural products at her feet, a vignette named <em>Science</em> by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. To the right a seated mechanic holds a sledgehammer.<p>The back is filled with rich green engraving with drop-out white letters and a bow-tie design near the center, the last emblem suggesting the sobriquet "Diamond Back Note" to some. D.M. Cooper and George U. Rose were the engravers.<p>For this entire series Uncirculated notes are exceedingly elusive, including varieties with high print quantities. As noted earlier, there was virtually no numismatic interest in collecting large size federal paper money during the 19th century. Notes that were common at one time became rare as the years passed, they became worn, and eventually the vast majority was redeemed.<p>F-316 (W-2177) notes are signed by Rosecrans and Nebeker, jointly in office from 1891 to 1893. We estimate that 352,000 were printed (from figures I (QDB) compiled years ago with great input from Doug Murray). Today probably fewer than 40 are in numismatic hands.<p>，From the Joel R. Anderson Collection of United States Paper Money, Part I. Earlier from Currency Auctions of Americas January 2001 sale; Jay Parrinos February 2002 Fixed Price List; Lyn Knights June 2002 sale, lot 1648; Lyn Knights October 2005 sale, lot 127; Lyn Knights June 2011 sale, lot 1112.<p>，