Friedberg 350 (W-83). 1891 $1 Treasury Note. PCGS Currency Superb Gem New 68 PPQ.Exceptional eye appeal is presented by this superbly well preserved 1891 $1 Treasury Note. Essentially perfect centering is found as are darkly printed engraved design elements and bold red overprint inks. As was the trend at the time, this Series of 1891 note displays a much more open back design than the ornately printed backs seen on the Treasury Notes of the Series of 1890. It was believed that these open backed notes would deter counterfeiters by making counterfeits more obvious to spot. This is one of just seven 1891 $1 Treasury Notes to be graded at this level by PCGS.<p><strong>About Edwin Stanton</strong><p>The portrait on this note is of Edwin Stanton, secretary of War under President Lincoln. Upon learning of an attack on Secretary of State William Seward (which happened simultaneously with the more famous attack on President Lincoln at Fords Theater), Stanton, seemingly without regard to his personal safety, went immediately to Sewards home. There he learned of Lincolns condition, and proceeded to where the President lay dying in a private home across from the theater. Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson and Seward were all intended targets that night, though the participant assigned to Johnson failed to act. Stanton himself may have been a target, as at least one account (never confirmed) references someone seen running from hiding near his house that night. After the assassination, Stanton led the charge in ensuring that the conspirators were captured and tried for their offenses.<p><p><em>From Lyn Knights sale of June 2007, lot 54.</em>
