Fr. 187k. 1880 $1000 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Banknote Very Fine 25. While significant discoveries in the field of paper money collecting are infrequent, on rare occasions, a note like this elusive Fr. 187k 1880 $1000 Legal Tender Note emerges, sparking excitement among collectors and dealers alike. The appearance of such a rare and valuable note is indeed an exhilarating discovery for enthusiasts of paper currency.<p>Out of the five known Fr. 187k examples, two are permanently impounded in the collections of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Smithsonian Institution. This leaves only the note being offered here and two others available to the collecting public. The catalog number features the engraved signatures of Treasury officials Vernon and Treat, with a small red scalloped Treasury Seal located near the bottom right corner. The engraved design elements, including the depiction of Columbus at left and the portrait of DeWitt Clinton at center, are boldly inked. The face of the note is elegantly framed by generous margins. On the back, a vividly printed design showcases countless ornate details, along with the Legal Tender clause and anti-counterfeiting language positioned on the left side.<p>The face design of this note follows the style used in the Series of 1869 and 1878, with some notable changes. Although the two vignettes on the face appear unrelated, it was not uncommon for this period to feature seemingly disparate scenes. On the left side, Columbus in His Study is depicted, with a globe on the floor nearby. At the center, DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828) is portrayed, with his right hand touching the side of his head. Perhaps the connection between the two men lies in their significance to water-related achievements. Columbus is renowned for his transatlantic voyage that led to the "discovery" of America, while Clinton played a crucial role in the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, linking the Great Lakes with the Atlantic. Although this connection may seem tenuous, it offers an intriguing perspective on the selection of these vignettes.<p>The emergence of this Fr. 187k 1880 $1000 is a momentous discovery, capturing the attention and admiration of collectors. With its rarity, exquisite design, and historical significance, this note represents a truly remarkable find in the world of paper money collecting.<p><p><p><p>
