CANADA. Dominion of Canada. 2 Dollars, 1923 Series A-B. P-DC-26a. PMG Extremely Fine 40 Net. Minor We are very excited to offer the $2 DC-26a 1923 A-B Black Seal Serial Number 1 with what appears to be the courtesy signature of Prince Edward.
This rarity has multiple attractions for collectors. With only 20 graded by PMG, it is evident that the note in any condition is special. This is also the last $2 note design prior to the establishment of the Bank of Canada. There are many different issues of this type, but first issues are very desirable, especially those bearing a coveted Serial Number 1.
This ornate note faces up very well. Its intricate design features a portrait of Prince Edward of Wales wearing the Uniform for the Welsh Guards. Interestingly enough, the original photographer of the photo used for this design claimed that the Canadian Bank Note Company committed copyright infringement on his creative property. The CBNC claimed it was not intentional and a friendly settlement was sought to resolve the matter.
The oral history from the consigning family states that the note was given to The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) when he was visiting Canada in 1923. He signed the note and presented it to his aide-de-camp, Fruity Metcalf. The aide-de-camp was in charge of the Princes visit to the Royal Familys ranch in Alberta, Canada. The note made its was back to England and traded hands between friends of ADC Metcalf before it entered the family of the current owners in 1986. In 1986 a friend of the current owner brought the note from England to Expo 86 in Vancouver and rather than sell it to a dealer, the hosting friend directly purchased the note. While the signature has not been authenticated, we feel we have gathered enough information to assume that it is likely that it is. It is fair to assume that the handful of other Dominion and Chartered #000001 notes that exist probably share a similar type of history. But it is certainly rare to be able to trace back a notes pedigree to its original presentation to The Prince of Wales..PMG Extremely Fine 40 Net. Minor Repairs, Annotation. Serial Number 1.
