Alaska. Russian-American Company. Undated (1820s-1860s). 10 Kopeck “Note in America.” Walrus Skin. PCGS Currency Choice About New 58 Apparent. Hole Punch Cancelled, Minor Mounting Remnants.This is one of finer Russian-American Company sealskin notes known to us and it appears at auction for only the second time since acquired privately by John J. Ford in 1963. Though this is not as choice as the superb Kendall Foundation example we sold in 2015 (that piece realized over $40,000), this beauty represents an excellent opportunity to obtain a well pedigreed and very attractive example. Printed in black on thick, off-white parchment with moderate surface granularity as made. 55mm by 45mm. Upper two corners pierced as issued; widely spaced as shown in Randolph Zander Fig.17. The common face (as originally defined and cataloged in the Henry P. Clifford Sale) with a company seal using a double headed Imperial Russian eagle within an oval frame, legend in Russian translated UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE OF HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY. The denomination in words below the seal. Tightly spaced and upright. The back (often considered the face by many as discussed in the Ford sales) has a finely engraved oval protector with spiral details with the Russian legend translated NOTE IN AMERICA with the denomination 10 KOP below. The serial number frame with No is at the bottom of this oval, outlined white to allow the serial number to be written in. At the base is a shaded box with the authorized signature. No.19733. Twenty four notes (nearly half in museums) were mentioned in the Zander 1996 Census; since then a few notes have been added. PCGS certified and graded now. In Ford VIII, conservatively cataloged as Choice Extremely Fine. Wonderful paper strength and printing clarity. The back shows some darkness on the outside vestiges of the oval that might be from printers ink from the note printing process or stacking with other printed notes that were still wet. It does not appear to be heavy circulation soiling. The printing quality of the oval is exceptional and the signature is bold and fully visible. There are no folds or creases whatsoever.. Superior to the Clifford Specimen of this variety (Bowers & Ruddy Galleries, March 18-20, 1982, lot 346) which also had some smudges that might be a condition diagnostic of any further notes that are encountered in high grades. An exceptional 10 Kopeck that has been off the market since 1963. Tough to exceed on condition and a wonderful example. Currently, the apparent notes only some Minor Mounting Remnants. Rarely offered and quality examples like this are generally held precious in collection for many years. A historic note in choice condition.Ex Ford Part VIII, January 2005, lot 1230 where it realized $9,200.00; previously obtained by Ford from Van Horne, December 26, 1963.
