Friedberg 267 (W-798). 1891 $5 Silver Certificate. PCGS Currency Superb Gem New 67 PPQ.This strikingly well preserved 1891 $5 Silver Certificate displays all of the qualities expected in a hand-picked Superb Gem note. The well printed design is framed by large margins on both the face and back. Bold overprint inks are seen with deep blue serial numbers featured at lower left and top right and a cherry red scalloped Treasury Seal at right. These 1891 Fives display an open back design as the BEP had moved on from the more ornate "Silver Dollar Back" design of the Series of 1886. It was thought that the open design would make spotting fake notes easier and deter counterfeiters.<p><p>The portrait of Ulysses S. Grant on the 1886 and 1891 $5 Silver Certificates was engraved by Lorenzo Hatch working from a fine photographic portrait taken during or perhaps just before Grants presidency. Hatch was something of a prodigy, having come to the attention of the BEP chief by way of a copperplate engraving he did of George Washington when Hatch was 16 (according to Gene Hesslers <em>The Engravers Line</em>). He became the youngest apprentice at the Bureau shortly thereafter at the age of 18, and retired from there in December 1887 (while the Series of 1886 notes were still being released).<p><p><p><em>From Heritage Auctions sale of April 2006, lot 17147.</em>
