Type of Friedberg 247-248 (W-367-368). 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63. Central Vignette Progressive Essay Proof.Hessler-SCE8. Black print on India paper only. Central vignette, Science Presenting Steam and Electricity to Commerce and Manufacture, features five allegorical figures. A dominant central female, Science, presents two youths representing Steam and Electricity to female figures at left and right, representing Commerce and Manufacture. This is the first engravers progressive die proof of the central face vignette designed for the $50 Silver Certificate, a denomination never issued. An object in the viewers left foreground appears only on this particular proof and one other. Though previously unidentified, it appears to be a loom comb, or some other paddle-like instrument. The tool is fully visible on the $50 essay also cataloged in this sale. A very distinctive and rare vignette essay proof. Some wrinkling and old mounts seen from the verso.<p>Considering that this vignette was originally proposed as central to the composition submitted for the $50 denomination, it may have been more technically appropriate to include this early impression with the $50 essays. However, it is placed here with the $2 proofs to demonstrate the development of the final design as issued.From our Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Sale, Part V, August 17, 2011, lot 5009; purchased from Mrs. Louise Entriken, December 16, 1971; formerly in the collection of Robert F. Schermerhorn.
