Arguably one of the most distinctive compositions issue under the Series of 1886 thanks to the back design. The Series of 1886 $5 Silver Certificate has been a consistent favorite of collectors and offers one of the evocative back designs in the entire hobby that reflects the impetus behind the introduction of small denomination Silver Certificates. Featuring a portrait of President Ulysses S. Grant who is depicted on the face amidst a number of design elements typical of the period, the back design speaks to the large quantities of silver dollars held in Treasury vaults that were minted as a consequence of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878. The Bland-Allison Act required the purchase of millions of dollars worth of domestic silver on a monthly basis which proved controversial with "sound money" advocates like Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and Grover Cleveland. Small denomination Silver Certificates like this one were essentially introduced as a circulating extension of all those silver dollars struck under the provisions of the Bland-Allison Act and largely supplanted small denomination Legal Tender Notes in circulation. A total of five Morgan-type silver dollars are seen from left to right with the observe of the centermost coin visible which displays a date of 1886. The balance of the coins depicted are seen only from the perspective of the reverse and lack any identifying mintmarks. Each coin offers testament to the remarkable grade of Superb Gem Uncirculated 67 EPQ assigned by the likes of PMG and is accomplished in an exceptional level of detail and radiance that calls to mind an exceptionally well-struck Proof from the Philadelphia Mint that is entombed in the present inside of a PCGS/NGC slab with a Gold CAC Sticker on top of everything. By like measure individual elements of the design from the large peach-red Treasury seal to the assemblage of decorative flourishes and geometric lathework on the verso help distinguish this already striking sight while impeccably even and crisp margins further attest to the exceptional grade assigned by PMG. Without a doubt, this by far one of the nicest examples of this Friedberg Number that we have ever handled and offered to collectors. This should see a realization reflective of the fact as this is also one of only four examples recorded at this lofty grade level and uneclipsed by any of its peers. PMG Pop 4/None Finer.From the Shores Collection Part I.
