Type of Friedberg 224 (W-59). 1895 $1 Silver Certificate. PCGS Currency Very Choice New 64. Face Proof.Hessler-SCE1. Black print on India paper, mounted on original wide margined card. Signatures of Tillman-Morgan. Design by Will H. Low, as engraved by Charles Schlecht. The central vignette, History Instructing Youth, features a female allegory of History seated with her right arm around a male youth. She points into the distance where a scene of Washington D.C. is visible. The U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument are clearly discernible. At the right is a representation of the United States Constitution. Around the left, right, and top borders are 23 small wreaths, each enclosing the name of a famous American. Those honored, clockwise, include Longfellow, Sherman, Lincoln, Irving, Cooper, Fulton, Calhoun, Clay, Jackson, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Franklin, Hamilton, Perry, Marshall, Webster, Morse, Hawthorne, Bancroft, Grant, Farragut, and Emerson. Each corner bears a uniquely stylized denomination counter. It is likely this design which prompted the term "educational" for this series of notes. Die proof of the nearly completed design that would be accepted for the face of the $1 Silver Certificates. Slightly different from those issued, as this piece is dated Series of 1895. Many of these Schermerhorn Educational proofs and essays may have come from Robert Friedberg over 50 years ago. Tiny wisp of foxing patch, concealed mostly. An exceptional rarity and historic proof and a foundational rarity in the American federal proof series.<p>While this design was utilized for the Series of 1896, this proof is dated 1895, apparently intended for an earlier issue date. Considering that the initial actions to develop this issue of notes occurred in 1893, and a study by Will Low for the central $1 vignette is known dated May 24, 1894, it seems quite probable that an earlier issue date was intended. According to Gene Hesslers reference, <em>U.S. Essay, Proof and Specimen Notes,</em> the completed design for the $1 note was accepted on July 10, 1894, clearly in plenty of time for an 1895 Series date. However, the designs for the remaining two denominations were not accepted until well into 1895, probably contributing to the final issue date of the entire series. The early $5 proofs are also found with the engraved series date of 1895.<p>From our Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Sale, Part V, August 17, 2011, lot 5001; Purchased from Mrs. Louise Entriken, December 16, 1971; formerly in the collection of Robert F. Schermerhorn.
