Fr. 204 (W-3265). Act of March 3, 1863. $100 5% Two Year Note. Hessler X138C. Face Essay Proof. PCGS Currency About New 55.A second key opportunity to obtain this Fr. 204 type. Like the A position, a Proof of the black portions on slightly thicker proofing paper. Dual imprints of the American Bank Note Co. New-York and National Bank Note Company. Farmer and Mechanic at the left. At the right, "In the Turret" with a larger than man-size cannon being loaded. Treasury Building. December 1, 1863 engraved date with engraved signatures. Hessler Proofs 1143 (p.80). Plate B. An earlier pedigree source than Stacks as Ambassador Middendorf bought this at Sothebys in 1985. In the same sale was a Specimen certificate of a "Ten-Forty" Loan that we cataloged and sold in the past five years. PCGS notes a petty fault as "Small Rust Stain near Top at Left." With four from the 2000 Stacks auction known, this and perhaps a few others, we still believe there are fewer than eight known. They tend to stay closely held. This beautifully rendered proof is a great rarity.<p>From the John E. Herzog Collection; Hon. J.W. Middendorf II Collection Sale (Christies, March 22, 1994, lot 164); previously Sothebys New York Sale, October 28-29, 1985, lot 68.
