Type of Friedberg 247-248 (W-367-368). 1896 $2 Silver Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ. Face Progressive Essay Proof.Hessler-185. Black print on India paper, mounted on original card. Central vignette, Science Presenting Steam and Electricity to Commerce and Manufacture. Engravers progressive die proof of the face featuring the central vignette, with the addition of "UNITED STATES" at top. It is interesting to note that the letters are not quite complete, particularly on the D in UNITED, and the first S of STATES. Clearly, the engraver was anticipating that some feature of the design would be overlapping these letters, which occurs only to a slight degree on the final design. A fascinating more advance progressive state of this great design. Broad margins and immaculate paper quality.From our Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Sale, Part V, August 17, 2011, lot 5011; William P. Donlons sale of November 15, 1974, lot 934, purchased through Dennis Forgue; formerly from the estate of Thomas F. Morris.
