Cincinnati, Ohio. State Bank of Ohio, Mechanics & Traders Branch. 18xx. $10. PCGS Currency Very Choice New 64 PPQ.(OH-5-UNL; Wolka 0633-20). This was the Wolka Collection face proof of this type and is plated in his Ohio opus. There are only four known, all cut from the same 1990 ABNCo. sale proof sheet. A stunning design with vermillion counters and text denominations. Three men seated in the center with portrait at lower right. The issued notes used printed backs. Wendell Wolka made interesting commentary on this type when his collection was cataloged and sold in April 2014. He noted that it was printed some five years after the Mechanics & Traders bank was suspended and closed by the State Bank of Ohio Board of Control in November, 1854. He suspected then that this branch was selected to be put on this proof which was used as part of the approval process for a new series of designs in 1859-60 for two reasons. First, this was a long branch title that could be used to show how similar title lines would fit into the design. Second, since the branch no longer existed, it would be more difficult for someone to try to put the note into circulation with false signatures. As such, this is a fascinating essay as well. This realized $2,585 at the primary, April 2014, Wolka sale and reappears at auction for the first time since. Distinctive, rare, and interesting.
