Fr. 360. 1890 $5 Treasury Note. PMG Very Fine 25 EPQ.

A scant 19 notes are known to collectors for this Friedberg number, according to Track and Price's census. This note is found with a Rosecrans-Nebeker signature combination, and the all-important large brown spiked treasury seal. This example is a new & welcomed addition to the currency census, allowing any type collector that has been chomping at the bit to finally add this Friedberg number to their collection a chance to acquire this piece tonight. At the time of cataloging, PMG has graded just twelve examples of this rare type, with this example sitting towards the top of the population report. This example is seen with PMG's desired EPQ moniker, meaning "Exceptional Paper Quality." This $5 retains fully original paper, which is a real treat for any collector looking to own an unmolested example. This appears to be the first time in our lengthy auction history we have had the pleasure of offering such a treasure, and we would not be shocked if our high estimate is met or exceeded. At center is a large framed portrait of General George H. Thomas, otherwise known as the "Rock of Chickamauga." Unlike most Union generals Thomas was a southerner, born in Newsom's Depot, Virginia in 1816. His family owned slaves who worked their plantation-style farm, and as a young man Thomas witnessed first-hand the violent slave rebellion led by Nat Turner. In 1836 Thomas was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was a close friend and roommate of William T. Sherman. After graduation Thomas served in an artillery company where he became close friends with future Confederate general Braxton Bragg. In 1851 Thomas returned to West Point as an instructor working closely under the school's superintendent Robert E. Lee. While an instructor at West Point, Thomas taught future Confederate generals J.E.B. Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee. In 1855 Thomas was made a Major in the 2nd Cavalry by Secretary of War Jefferson Davis. Many of the cavalry's officers were southerners and when the Civil War broke out in 1861, 19 of the 36 officers resigned, including superiors Albert Sidney Johnston and Robert E. Lee. Many southern-born officers struggled with loyalty to their home states and to the Union they served. Virginians especially resigned their United States Army commissions in support of defending their home state. Perhaps influenced by his northern-born wife, Thomas stayed with the Union Army. In response, Thomas' family back home, including his five siblings, completely disowned him and remained estranged from him for the rest of his life.

Estimate: $6000.00 - $8000.00