Fr. 347. 1890 $1 Treasury Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.

Fr. 347. 1890 $1 Treasury Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.，Offered is an incredible example of this issue, the first $1 Treasury Note. While not rare as a type, the vast majority of survivors are circulated. This Gem is in the relative stratosphere in terms of condition, offering quality rarely seen for this type. Additionally it is very desirable for how attractive the design is in high grade. As one would expect, the paper is bright and fresh with no visible handling marks that we detect. Indeed, PMG granted their EPQ designation, speaking to this and the overall originality. The black ink is dark, the large brown seal is sharply defined, and the serial numbers are deep red. The intensely ornate back is printed in vivid green. The note is well centered with broad even margins all around both sides. <p><p>The portrait on this note is of Edwin Stanton, secretary of War under President Lincoln. Upon learning of an attack on Secretary of State William Seward, which happened simultaneously with the more famous attack on President Lincoln at Fords Theatre, Stanton, seemingly without regard to his personal safety, went immediately to Sewards home. There he learned of Lincolns condition, and proceeded to where the President lay dying in a private home across from the theater. Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson and Seward were all intended targets that night, though the participant assigned to Johnson failed to act. Stanton himself may have been a target, as at least one account (never confirmed) references someone seen running from hiding near his house that night. After the assassination, Stanton led the charge in ensuring that the conspirators were captured and tried for their offenses.<p><p>PMG has graded 365 $1 Treasury Notes of 1890, counting all three Friedberg varieties, and only a single note is finer than this one. The PCGS records show another 236 notes graded, and still no more are graded higher. This is truly an exceptional survivor and an important offering for any collector seeking the highest quality notes. Only one person may own a better one, and that note would command a princely sum indeed! This beautiful Gem has been off the market for nearly 50 years.<p>，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from the Art Lovi Collection, Stacks, September 1968, lot 212.，