Fr. 121m. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Mule Note. PCGS Banknote Superb Gem Uncirculated 67 PPQ. Bound to stand like a beacon amongst the offerings of this auction; this most attractive and exceptional example of what is arguably one of the most iconic designs ever put to print by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing offers a compelling glimpse into the aesthetic conventions of a bygone era. Featuring elaborate Corinthian-type columns adorned with the portraits of Lewis & Clark framed by a pair of female allegorical figures, this design further embodies the ethos of the untamed frontier by way of the vignette depicted at center. Focused upon a forward-facing rendition of a American bison known as "Pablo" who was once held by the Washington Zoo. This composition which was engraved by one M.S. Baldwin Knight whose expertise lay with painting and sketching wildlife; Baldwins depiction has since become iconic among numismatists earning it the #6 position in Bowers and Sundmans book em100 Greatest American Currency Notes/em. Each individual element of the design and Knights vignette is brought to life through an assigned grade without better nor equal at PCGS Banknote. From individual blades of grass to the level of detail used to depict the likes of Lewis and Clark every fiber of this note is indeed exceptional and without equal. Detail that allows one to marvel at what was once considered little more than a means of exchange used to facilitate commerce. There is no doubt within our minds that once bidding has come to an end, this very note will come to be held tightly and cherished where it will be proudly displayed atop its lofty pedestal by its new owner. PCGS Banknote Pop 1/None Finer. p
