Fr. 2211-Cdgsm*. 1934 Dark Green Seal $1000 Federal Reserve Star Note. Mule. Philadelphia. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.A prize to be had and a prize to be won; this note represents the very best one could ever hope to find for this specific Friedberg Number that already stands as a rare prospect. Part of a population of less than ten recorded pieces, this note is a true survivor alongside its sheetmate "C00002215*" which lay claim to being Gem Uncirculated specimens in the eyes of PMG. Track & Price records the sheetmate to this specimen as a Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ while the PMG Population Report mentions two pieces including this lot at the Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ grade level. Even on their lonesome, each of these three notes are remarkable representatives of the grade assigned. Each one speaks directly to the stringent nature of grading standards towards the highest ends of the grading spectrum for an impeccable rarity that cannot easily be matched.<p>This example is nonetheless the very exemplar of what it means to be "exceptional" as it embodies the absolute pinnacle of the recorded population as the two examples recorded by PMG are unmet by any other Replacement regardless of series imprint or district. Here one may bear witness to a level of eye appeal and technical quality that cannot easily be matched or described through a succinct assemblage of adjectives. Here brilliant detail and bold color are the effortless norm emphasized by aesthetic traits such as the Walrus-like portrait of President Grover Cleveland. Technical considerations such as the depth and subtle gradient of color expressed by the geometric lathework seen along the margins amicably complement the deep impression of the Treasury overprint, essentially layering rare qualities that duly underscore the exceptional nature of this notes background. Together these elements underscore a degree of eye appeal that effortlessly underscores the lofty qualities one would rightly expect at this grade level and the inevitable conflict bound to materialize among bidders.<p>Bidders would be advised to understand that these notes are all consistent performers when they do appear at auction regardless of market conditions and that competition always follows. In 2008, this specimen brought an astonishing $37,375 in September 2008 days after its sheetmate realized $34,500. Fast forward to 2014, the sheetmate to this specimen brought $30,550 by the end of what was clearly a competitive bidding process. Here in 2026, bidders should come to expect a similar degree of competition when vying for ownership of this lot. Opportunities on par with this one are truly rare and a reflection of the interest that follows notes that can be considered truly exceptional or the "finest" among their peers. For the bidder looking to push the boundaries of their registry set or desires to build a collection that defies easy comparison, this is a note where the potential cost is best disregarded before a bid is placed. Noted for "Exceptional Paper Quality & Embossing" by PMG. PMG Pop 2/None Finer.From the Manhattan Beach Collection.
