The most significant collection of North Carolina obsolete currency to be sold in years will cross the auction block next week in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo. The Thomas A. Gray Collection of North Carolina Obsolete Currency will comprise more than 150 lots that span the geographic range of the state and include both issued notes and proofs. Many rarely seen types are represented offering collectors a once in a generation opportunity to secure certain rare highlights.
“Not since 2003 has a collection of North Carolina obsolete notes of this breadth and magnitude been offered to the collecting public,” said Director of Currency Peter Treglia. “Many of these notes are unlikely to be seen again for another ten to twenty years or more.”
Among the collection’s highlights is an incredibly rare, $50-$100 uncut sheet of remainders from the Farmers Bank of North Carolina (Elizabeth City) Branch Series (Lot 152, Est: $4000-$6000). The $50 and $100 denominations are quite scarce for this bank and the pair is possibly unique in sheet form.
Also featured is a rare pair of $5 banknotes from the Bank of Roxboro. The first note offered from this Person County issuer (Lot 193, $5000-$7000) is an 1861 note issued by the bank with the right end reading “A TEMPORARY ISSUE UNTIL/PLATE CAN BE HAD.” Perhaps just two to three examples of this issue are currently known. These notes were withdrawn and replaced by the next note (Lot 194, Est: $2000-$3000). This $5 was printed by Leggett, Keatinge & Ball features the portrait of George Washington at left, with General Lafayette standing at right, while Liberty is seated with a shield at center. The Bank of Roxboro is one of North Carolina’s great rare banks and all notes are closely held by collectors.
There is a nice selection of proof notes not often seen for the state in the collection as well, including proofs from the Bank of the State of North Carolina (Raleigh), Bank of Cape Fear (Wilmington), Bank of Washington and Bank of Wilmington. Perhaps the brightest gem of the collection is an extremely rare $20 color proof on the Bank of Wilmington (Lot 223, Est: $4000-$6000). The India paper proof is printed with vibrant vermillion XX protectors and counter surrounds and features a large steamboat traveling down a tranquil river.
Preview this important collection along with the rest of the coin and paper money items offered in our Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo by clicking the Browse Auctions tab on the StacksBowers.com homepage.
