San Francisco, California. The Imperial Government of Norton I, March 11, 1876. 50 Cents at 7% Interest. PCGS Currency Very Fine 30 Apparent. Small Edge Splits, Writing in Ink on Back.A handsome example, this example published in 1962, of one of the most interesting historical paper currency types and eagerly sought after. The biography of Norton I (Joshua Abraham Norton) has been discussed often in auction catalogs and books. His local presence as a colorful character in the 1870s was heartfelt within the San Francisco community. Despite these notes being mostly souvenirs, and their eventual owners left owning a piece of his memory, rather than actual currency; his 1880 funeral drew at least 10,000 mourners who obviously did not feel they were had by this spuriously backed promissory currency. The popular notes are listed number 100 in The 100 Greatest American Currency Notes.This is a narrower width note compared to other types observed in the Fred Marckhoff (Numismatic Scrapbook, March 1982, pp.671-682; later reprinted in Coin World in 1975) article. Marckhoff Type 4 and the plated note in the article on page 678. Uniface, printed on bond paper, with the imprint of Cuddy & Hughes, Printers to His Majesty Norton I., 511 Sansome Street, San Francisco. Titles top center, underneath NORTON I. Upper left, standing Liberty with flag. Upper right, half-length view of Norton I. Italicized obligation across center including conversion to Bonds or payable in Gold Coin in 1880. Signed Norton I, Emperor boldly in ink. No.1911. Similar to Ford XX: Lot 3036. Similar to 2004 CAA Lowell Horwedel Sale: Lot 15446. An impressive example of this famous issue, the Marckhoff Plate example published in 1962, and a choice piece. There are two Cal Club ink stampings on the face. Elusive and one of the most fascinating historical issues of American paper money. We believe there might be a dozen or less known of this type. Few achieve or exceed this for condition. The Ford example reached $18,400 in October 2007. There are only some noted Edge Splits and Writing in Ink on the Back. A significant American Currency icon.Ex Heritage Auctions, 2015 CSNS Sale, April 2015, lot 18421.
