Fr. 121m. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Note. Mule. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ.Evocative of the untamed expanses of the American west and arguably one of the most distinctive compositions ever put to print by the Bureau of Engraving & Printing. This design is a rare one centered around the depiction of an animal rather than a human or allegorical subject such as George Washington or Columbia. Anchored by a forceful forward-facing vignette of a bison known as "Pablo" who resided at the National Zoological Park in Washington D.C., this design is ranked firmly among iconic company at the #6 position in Bowers and Sundmans book <em>100 Greatest American Currency Notes </em>while portraits of Lewis and Clark may be seen at left and right. This design retains many of the same elements destined for an unreleased $10 Silver Certificate intended to be issued under the Series of 1899 that was set to be repurposed for the Series of 1901. The columns behind the portraits are the same while some minor modifications were made to the female allegorical figures at left and right who are holding torches as opposed to tridents. The position occupied by "Pablo" was originally intended to be occupied by the USS <em>Massachusetts</em> (BB-2) while the portraits of Lewis and Clark were meant to be replaced by the likes of Commodore William Bainbridge at left and Commodore Stephen Decatur at right who had both served with distinction during the Barbary Wars. The demise of that design is allegedly linked to the influence of John Muir and his influence with Theodore Roosevelt who ascended to the Presidency in 1901 after the death of President William McKinley. Yet the influence of that design can still be felt. The back vignette entitled <em>Progress</em> is retained, albeit with some minor modifications and offers a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been barring what was likely a sudden change of mind. Such a distinction along with the iconic nature of this design is sure to help see this already attractive specimen to a premium realization thanks to both uncommon quality and eye appeal. PMG Pop 5/8 Finer.
