Type of Friedberg 268 (W-799). 1895 $5 Silver Certificate. PCGS Currency Superb Gem New 67 PPQ. Progressive Face Essay Proof.Hessler-SCE19. Black on India paper, mounted on original wide margin card. Signatures of Tillman-Morgan. No plate letter. Central vignette, Electricity Presenting Light to the World. Virtually complete die proof of the face design, though as is clear from the inscription noted on the card margin, there were a few final touch-ups remaining to be executed by Robert Ponickau. The engraved date still reads Series of 1895 in the upper right ribbon. The bulb is different from the last and shading details are apparently now complete. A penciled inscription in the lower margin reads, "Aug. 31/95. Proof after work of Rose before Ponickau." A stunning example and finest imaginable in our opinion. Much superior to the 1895 Series $5 proof we sold in our 52 Collection Part I sale for $18,400, and solidified by its $21,850 realization in our 2011 Bass Collection sale. Printed in deep black ink flowing masterfully across the plate. A majestic essay proof of the highest caliber.From our Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Sale, Part V, August 17, 2011, lot 5029; Purchased from Abe Kosoff, April 1973.
