Lot of (26). Fr. 1374. 50 Cents. Fourth Issue. PMG Choice Fine 15 to Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ. Plate Numbers 1 through 27 (exc. 25).
Stack's Bowers is both pleased and honored to present a unique opportunity for the collector with the offering of a complete set of the 4 th issue Lincoln Fractionals (Fr. 1374) by Treasury seal plate number. The collection consists of 26 notes. (Plates #1-24, 26-27.) The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) neglected to engrave plate #25 when that specific Treasury seal plate was being made. When the BEP transferred their entire archive of currency and revenue sheets to the Smithsonian Institution, they were scanned by the Institute and made digitally available to the public. The archive contains all the Lincoln Treasury seal plate sheets confirming that just 27 sheets were produced. Each sheet of the red Treasury seals has a single red engraved plate number in the body and a corresponding post-production blue stamp; except for sheet #25 which only has the blue numerical stamp. When the sheet was cut into individual notes, if the plate number wasn't trimmed, a red seal plate number can be found on the vertical axis around Lincoln's portrait. Originally it was thought that the Lincoln was printed in sheets of 12 notes as evidenced by the only uncut sheet known from the legendary John Ford collection (sold by Stack's in May 2004) but with the recent release of the BEP sheet images to the public, it was discovered that they were actually printed in sheets of 15. Our consignor, Rick Melamed, has written extensively on the subject of Fractionals, specializing in plate number Fractional notes. Most notably, he wrote a comprehensive study in the July/August 2010 issue (No. 268) of Paper Money detailing the 50¢ Lincoln Treasury Seal face plate numbers. In it, he discusses the numerical range, location, color and frequency of appearance of these plate numbers. A copy of that article will accompany this lot. Rick has spent the past 20 years hunting down each number to complete the set. Looking for the non-existent #25 it was thought to be a hole in the collection, but it turns out it never existed - making the set offered here complete. Many of the notes in this lot are likely unique, certainly in low single digits. With a short run (December 1869 - January 1870) the population of Lincoln Fractionals is sparse making this set challenging to assemble and nearly impossible to duplicate. We are most impressed with the time, research and effort that went into completing this unique set, and hope that the fortunate winning bidder will appreciate the singular nature of this extraordinary undertaking. The 26 notes in this lot consist of the following, listed by Plate Number. All are Fr#1374, signed by Allison and Spinner and are graded by PMG. Plate No. 1: Choice AU 58 Plate No. 2: Choice Unc 64 EPQ Plate No. 3: Choice Unc 64 EPQ Plate No. 4: Choice Unc 64 EPQ Plate No. 5: AU 50, Previously Mounted Plate No. 6: Choice AU 58 Plate No. 7: Choice Unc 64 EPQ Plate No. 8: AU 53, Previously Mounted Plate No. 9: AU 55 Plate No. 10: EF 40, Tape Repair Plate No. 11: VF 25 Plate No. 12: AU 55 Plate No. 13: Unc 62 EPQ Plate No. 14: VF 25 Plate No. 15: VF 25 Plate No. 16: Choice Unc 63 EPQ Plate No. 17: VF 30, Previously Mounted Plate No. 18: Choice Unc 64 Plate No. 19: VF 30 Plate No. 20: Choice Fine 15 Plate No. 21: AU 55 Plate No. 22: AU 55 Plate No. 23: Unc 62 Plate No. 24: Choice AU 58 Plate No. 26: Choice VF 35 Plate No. 27: VF 30, Previously Mounted

Estimate: $10000.00- $20000.00