Our Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction is now available at StacksBowers.com for viewing and bidding. It features 659 lots in our live session of U.S. paper money, which will tale place on Wednesday, August 24. One impressive note from the sale is lot 20343, a Fr. 1178 1882 $20 Gold Certificate graded by PCGS Banknote as Superb Gem Uncirculated 68 PPQ.
This 1882 $20 Gold Certificate, an incredible condition rarity, displays nearly perfect centering with boardwalk margins framing its grandiose design. The sharply printed inks contrast starkly against the creamy white paper. The orange printed back, for which this series is so well known, is vivid and striking. This design ranks #95 in 100 Greatest American Currency Notes by Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman.
The face depicts the recently martyred (1881) President James Garfield, while the back shows an eagle clutching a lightning bolt, with two cable-laying ships in the distance, titled Ocean Telegraph, and engraved by George D. Baldwin. The inscription “GOLD COIN” is in the “shingle”-style lettering layout. Gold coins, absent from commerce since the waning days of December 1861, achieved parity with Legal Tender and other paper on December 17, 1878. Accordingly, the Series of 1882 Gold Certificates could be exchanged at par.
The orange-gold color on the notes tended to fade. Today, notes with bright backs are worth more than those with faded color, regardless of the grade. The orange back design remains exceptionally attractive on this example This is an exceedingly rare class of currency, and surviving examples are greatly treasured. PMG’s population report lists two graded at the Superb Gem 67 EPQ level, with none graded finer. PCGS Banknote reports just one at this grade level, with none graded finer.
PCGS Banknote Pop 1/None Finer.
We are currently taking consignments for our November Showcase auction as well as our monthly sales. To consign your U.S. paper money and world paper money to a future sale, contact a consignment specialist at 800-458-4646 or visit StacksBowers.com. For more information on viewing lots or for assistance in registering to bid, email your inquiry to: Info@stacksbowers.com.
