Fr. 212d-I. July 15th, 1865 $50 Interest Bearing Note. PMG Very Fine 20. A classic "middle-of-the-book" rarity that was also the Friedberg plate note in editions 19th through 22nd that were published during the years of 2010-21. At the time when this note was originally issued it could be converted into 20 year bonds, per a notice on the back, with interest payable in coin. Today a total of eight examples are recorded with two of those held by the Smithsonian Institution leaving only six available to collectors which at best make only sporadic appearances at auction. From 2007 to 2018 no examples of this Friedberg crossed the auction block, a fact which readily demonstrates the infrequency of such an opportunity. Even circulation is observed and vibrant color is retained by the individual design elements, all traits that underscore the eye appeal of this note. A singular comment for a "Restoration" has been applied by PMG, but appears well executed and is nothing more than a trifling concern when weighed against the rarity and historical significance of this item. At center a defiant vignette of a Bald Eagle perched upon a shield is seen clutching an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other. A streamer which boldly states "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is visible in the foreground. Symbolically such a design leaves little to the imagination as the United States had only won its victory over the Confederacy and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln only a few months before this note was first issued. Additional design elements including a pair of large "50" die counters flank the central vignette at left and right. Green border and security prints are seen with "INTEREST ONE CENT PER DAY" at top center. Red serial numbers are found to the lower left and upper right of center and a red spiked Treasury Seal is at right. At left is the phrase "The Government reserves the right of paying in COIN, the interest on this Note at the rate of six per cent. per annum." A distinction which underscores the lack of coin and specie that circulated at this point in history. The engraved signatures of Colby and Spinner appear in the bottom corners. The back although similar in composition to its contemporaries features a trait carried over from the Fractional issues of the period. To the left and right of the centermost redemption clause is a large bronze "5" and "0" that appear distinct against the nearly fully printed geometric lathe backdrop. PMG Comments "Restoration & Friedberg Plate Note." PMG Pop 1/1 Finer. Ex. Amon Carterppppppp From the Porter Collection.
