Type of Friedberg 268-270 (W-799-801). 1897 $5 Silver Certificate. PCGS Currency Choice New 63. Face Progressive Essay Proof.Hessler-5045. Black print on India paper, mounted on original wide margined card. Undated progressive face essay, with modifications to Shirlaws face design, for the proposed 1897 $5 notes. The central vignette, Electricity Presenting Light to the World as on the previous series. Significant drapery additions to the female figures to make them more "proper." Upper counters now both "5" numerals. Border flourishes and scrolls much different. Possibly unique. Some minor card toning and modest foxing on the India paper. Likely irreplaceable. Immensely important and last offered in our Bass Part V sale where it brought $19,550.<p>As is true of the redesigned 1897 $1 note, the denomination markers have been defined clearly and identically, the overall design is brighter, and geometrical lathework has been added to the composition in an effort to make it a more undesirable target for counterfeiters. Specific to the $5 issue, another significant change is found in the central vignette. Drapery has been added to the figures that had been partially nude on the 1896 issue.<p>From our Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Sale, Part V, August 17, 2011, lot 5033; purchased from Mrs. Louise Entriken, December 16, 1971; formerly in the collection of Robert F. Schermerhorn.
