Fr. 224. 1896 $1 Silver Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ.

Fr. 224. 1896 $1 Silver Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ.，Another exceptionally attractive Gem Educational Note from the Vanderbilt Collection, this note features one of the most prized currency designs. The black ink of the face is deep, with all design elements bold, while the blue serial numbers and red Treasury seal add a bit of color to the overall design. The back is similarly vivid, deep green. Nice broad margins are seen on both sides, particularly on the back where the design is slightly smaller in dimension than on the face, leaving more room. Traces of embossing are seen at the serial numbers. <p><p>The face of this note, the lowest denomination of the famous "Educational" series, features the vignette, <em>History Instructing Youth</em>, engraved by Charles E. Schlecht after the original painting submitted by muralist Will H. Low. The Educational series is distinctive in design and also stands out from all other federal paper in that there was no security lathe work incorporated into the face designs. This was abandoned in order to maintain as much of the integrity of the original art as possible. Though this was not favored by all at the time, today the designs stand high among the most beautifully executed notes the United States has ever produced. They are truly exceptional works of the engravers art and their appeal to collectors follows accordingly. <p><p>This note was likely part of a cut sheet that remained together for a period of time, as two of the notes from the original four subjects are known, and both have been described as Gems.，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from Trusted Traditions, April 2011.，