Boston, Massachusetts. The Howard Banking Co. 1857. $5. Fine.(MA-246-C8a; W-640-005-C040). Contemporary Counterfeit with imprint of New England Bank Note Co., Boston/Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, New-York. This is a printed from an extremely well made plate that is extremely rare in genuine form. Under the straight line title at top is the famous Santa Claus in his sleigh vignette (Roger H. Durand Vignette Type I). The original artwork is not attributed for the engraving firm. Upper left with a portrait of John Howard. Lower right with detailed allegory of five females intertwined within a large 5. Red FIVE protector. This is perhaps the most famous obsolete banknote counterfeit and always popular with collectors. Strong details are seen. Some small holes are seen near center and the lower right corner tip is absent. Signs of previous mounting are also found on the back top edge.
