Friedberg 374 (W-2192). 1890 $20 Treasury Note. PCGS Currency Gem New 66 PPQ.The Joel R. Anderson Collection offers a truly exceptional example of this challenging "Fancy Back" $20 Treasury Note. Natural paper wave and even hints of original plate embossing are observed on this piece, which tops PCGS Currencys condition census for the catalog number. The engraved design elements are sharply printed and display great detail. The centering is ideal with large even margins framing the face and back printings. Fr.374 (W-2192) is the only 1890 $20 Treasury Note to come with a small red scalloped Treasury Seal, as the prior two catalog numbers each display the large brown spiked Treasury Seal. The red overprint inks are well accomplished and bold. While the beautifully ornate green printed "Fancy Backs" of the 1890 Treasury Notes are popular with collectors, they were not well received when they were in circulation. They were thought to be easy to counterfeit and the entire series was replaced by Series of 1891 notes with a more open back design, adopted to deter counterfeiting.<p><p>While every other denomination in the Treasury Note series featured an instrumental Union military or political figure from the Civil War era, the $20 displays the portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall. Marshall served briefly as U.S. secretary of state to President John Adams before becoming the 4th chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, a position he held for 34 years until his death in 1835.<p><p>Here is another incredible Gem from the Joel R. Anderson Collection and a note which will be a stunning addition to any elite collection.<p><p><strong>PCGS Population: </strong>1, none finer.<em>From Limpert Illustration; Stacks sale of September 1955; Heritage Auctions sale of January 2005, lot 17592.</em>
