Friedberg 73 (W-659). 1880 $5 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Currency Superb Gem New 67 PPQ.Bold embossing and naturally wavy paper are seen on this superbly centered 1880 $5 Legal Tender Note. This variety features bold blue serial numbers and a large red seal along with the engraved signatures of Bruce and Wyman. Around 250 examples of this catalog number are known in all conditions with the present note among the finest known. Just one other Superb Gem graded example has been offered publicly with the last price realization being $5,287.50 in a September 2013 auction.<p><strong>On "Woodchopper" Notes</strong><p>The design by Henry Gugler, nicknamed the "Woodchopper" note, was formally called <em>The Pioneer </em>and <em>The Pioneer Family. </em>Depicted are a frontiersman, holding the handle of an axe, probably used in cutting lumber for the rude shack that was home also to his wife, babe in arms, and loyal dog. This was evocative of the American spirit in an era in which the West was still being settled. This motif first appeared on the "Rainbow" $5 Legal Tenders of 1869 and was continued well into the 20th century -- one of the longest lived "scenic" motifs among large-size currency. The portrait of Andrew Jackson on the face of the note was engraved by Alfred Sealey after a painting by Thomas Sully.From Lyn Knights sale of August 2002, lot 35.<p>
