Oil City, Pennsylvania. Oil City Bank. Sept. 15, 1864. $500. Choice Uncirculated. Proof.(PA-380 G16a SENC) ABNC. India paper only. Liberty stands at left with capped staff in left hand and the Constitution in her right. Man oiling a centrifugal governor in round frame at center. Man opening barrel at bottom right. 500 counters at bottom left and top right. Ornate green D counters at left and right of center. Green grill with microlettered FIVE HUNDRED over signature panels and green 500 protector at bottom center. An incredible high denomination proof previously from the John J. Ford Jr. Collection. We had not seen an example of the design type in any form until uncovering this proof in the Ford holdings. No other examples have surfaced in the years since. The layout and overprints are stunning. Bright paper, ample margins and sharply printed inks are observed. An excellent obsolete proof note from this popularly collected Pennsylvania bank. Likely unique and worthy of a lofty bid.
