拍品描述： United States of America. Act of June 13, 1898-Three Percent Loan of 1898. $5000 3% Registered Bond. Hessler X188E. Issued and Cancelled. Very Good to FineA visually exciting rarity and arguably one of the most beautiful engraved Federal loan certificates. The artistry at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing at this time was at a zenith having designed, engraved, and printed the "Educational" silver certificates just two years earlier. Extremely high denomination bonds from the act were sold to banks and major corporations. Luckily some cancelled bonds (with large hole cancels) still exist of this type. However, they are extremely rare. This is one of two examples we have confirmed and is the finest by far. Engraved and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. 30.5cm by 14.0cm. Orange frame, undertint with THREE PER CENT, Balanced layout with titles at top on the tint, obligation across center, and signature spaces at the bottom. At each side, the tint encloses circular vignettes. At the left end, Hessler refers to this as "Civilization." However, allegorically it is military with naval ships and military encampments, cannons, etc. At the right is Lieblers <em>America Seizing the Lightning</em> as used on United States Nationals (a study for that original artwork is in this ANA sale, formerly from the Glenn Jackson estate). Large red Treasury seal. Engraved Lyons signature. August 1, 1898 engraved date. Perpendicular to face is brown transfer back. Plate A. No.407. Transferred in 1899. Issued Nov. 10, 1898 to the James River National Bank. There is wear and some faults, but the orange color is extraordinary. Cancelled and not negotiable. It has a hole cancel lower right, pinholes, a pen mark, and it is trimmed inwards at the left end. The only other example observed sold last in 2015 for $14,100. Its prior appearance was in 2009. This superior condition example, combining lovely style and immense rarity, certainly seems destined to eclipse five-figures. John obtained this from Smythe & Co. directly in 1995 (his penciled pedigree on the back edge) and this it is its first auction appearance.From the John E. Herzog Collection; obtained from R.M. Smythe & Co., June 21, 1995.