Uncut Sheet of (4). Texas. $10-$20 Original-1875. PMG Choice Extremely Fine 45. Back Design Proof.
An exciting offering for National collectors of Lone Star currency. This sheet of four notes displays the back proof designs for $10's and $20's from the Original & 1875 series. The $10's depict a central vignette of DeSoto Discovering the Mississippi in 1541, which was painted by W.H. Powell and engraved by Frederick Girsch. The $20s depict the Baptism of Pocahontas, which was painted by John G. Chapman. The Texas seal is at left and eagle perched, right. Obligation top, above vignette and counterfeit clause below. A classic series of federal currency with some of the most detailed vignettes. Included with this proof is a letter from American Bank Note Company. The letter is dated December 20th, 186_(9?) and is addressed to Hiland R. Hulburd, Comptroller of the Currency Washington D.C. (Hulburd served as comptroller from 1867-1872). As best as we can decipher, the letter reads: "Sir, Enclosed please find 4 hole cancelled, 10 10 10 10 Backs only, Texas, ___ and forwarded as specimens of ___ in accordance with the request made to our Mr. __, when in Washington lately. Very Respectfully, ___" This is the first time we can recall handling a back proof sheet from the National Currency era, and this type is surely missing from the most advanced collections of United States paper money. PMG has mislabeled this as a remainder uncut sheet. Hole punch cancelled. PMG comments "Corner Missing, Annotation."
Estimate: $15000.00- $30000.00