Lot of (2) Friedberg 247 (W-367). 1896 $2 Silver Certificates. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ. Face Progressive Essay and Back Proofs.Hessler-185. Black print on India paper, mounted on wide margined card. Signatures of Tillman-Morgan. No plate position. Central vignette, Science Presenting Steam and Electricity to Commerce and Manufacture. Die proof of the nearly final, accepted design with engraved signatures of Tillman and Morgan, but missing some subtle details such as shading at the bottom and no plate position letter at lower right. Matches up nicely compared to the proof plated in Hessler, page 103. Perhaps fewer than four exist and this is likely the finest known. Hails from the private group obtained in 1971 from the Schermerhorn estate collection proofs and then the Bass Collection.<p>Back, black printing on India paper, mounted on original card. Adopted design with portrait vignettes of Robert Fulton at left, and Samuel F.B. Morse at right. Geometric borders and flourishes, corner counters and obligation bottom center. Die trial in black. An exceedingly rare and very distinctive die trial proof in black. This important essay proof was obtained by Dr. Glenn Jackson and was acquired by Mr. Bass at the memorable 1990 Memphis Auction by Smythe, It was last offered in our Bass Part V sale where it brought $5,750.From our Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Sale, Part V, August 17, 2011, lot 5014 and 5016 (Both); Dr. Glenn Jackson Collection, NASCAs Sale 89, June 16, 1990, lot 3239 (Back); purchased from Mrs. Louise Entriken, December 16, 1971 (Face); formerly in the collection of Robert F. Schermerhorn (Face).
