Friedberg 42 (W-310). 1869 $2 Legal Tender Note. PCGS Currency Gem New 66 PPQ.The $2 "Rainbow" Legal Tender Notes of the Series of 1869 are among the most visually appealing types ever issued by the United States. The rich hues of green and red printed inks combine with the blue tinted security paper to create a true work of numismatic art. This $2 is an ideal mate to the $1 offered earlier.pAt the left is a portrait of Thomas Jefferson engraved by Charles Burt, one of the chief engravers for the Treasury Department. At center is a scene of the U.S. Capitol done by Louis Delnoce and William Chorlton. A large red spiked Treasury Seal is featured at right while red printed serial numbers are at lower left and upper right. A green protector tint runs across the top of the face of the note. The tint is made up of a repeating microlettered pattern that reads "UNITED STATES LEGAL TENDER NOTE" and "TWO DOLLARS."pThe back is ornately printed in green and features the Roman numeral II at left, 2 at center and TWO spelled out vertically at right. Anti-counterfeiting language is in a panel to the left of center while the Legal Tender clause is in a panel to the right of center. The imprint of the American Bank Note Company is found at the bottom left and right. ppThis example comes incredibly well centered with large margins on the face. The colors are ideal for the type, making this note truly deserving of its "Rainbow" nickname. PCGS Currency has graded seven 1869 two-dollar notes at this grade level with just two examples certified as finer. This is a wonderful representation of an always popular type, a note which would make a great addition to any high end type collection.From Currency Auctions of Americas sale of November 1992, lot 1400; Lyn Knights sale of March 2001, lot 394; Lyn Knights sale of March 2005, lot 556.
