Friedberg 118*. 1901 $10 Legal Tender Star Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ. This incredible Napier-McClung signed 1901 $10 "Bison" Legal Tender Star Note is by far the finest of the three replacements known for the catalog number. While any "Bison" note in 66 EPQ is enough to give a currency enthusiasts pause, the appearance of a Star Note at this grade level should stop them in their tracks. This is the finest graded Bison replacement note known. It is one of just two 1901 $10 Star notes PMG has graded in the uncirculated grade ranges (all catalog numbers combined). The note is ideally centered and vividly printed in bold inks. The brilliant red overprints are truly exceptional including the all-important serial number preceded by a five pointed star with hollow center. The back is extremely well centered and executed in vibrant green inks. The note has all of the visual appeal of a superb gem note and certainly an argument could be made for that assignment. It is absolutely stunning note and will be treasured by any Star Note specialist. Bison Notes are popular for their motifs inspired by the American West, with the bison on the back and with the face featuring the portraits of legendary explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. This duo led the 1804-1806 Corps of Discovery Expedition westward out of Saint Louis, along the Missouri River at the direction of President Thomas Jefferson after the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. On the face of the note, an American Bison stands broadside but looks straight on at the viewer.The Bison Note, per numismatic nomenclature, is sometimes humorously referred to as the "Buffalo Bill." The animal depicted is Pablo, as sketched by Charles Knight and engraved by M.S. Baldwin. Knight was well known for his talents in sketching and painting wildlife as well as representations of prehistoric animals. A depiction of this particular bison can be found on a 30¢ postage stamp of 1923, among other places. Pablo was officially known as National Zoological Park Bison No. 2926. This animal, which arrived on October 23, 1897, was purchased for $500 from Michael Pablo, a Ronan, Montana rancher. Pablo (the bison) died on October 3, 1914.The back of the note, titled <em>Progress,</em> shows Columbia standing, seemingly representative of agriculture, flanked by two mostly open blank panes. The vignette was the work of G.F.C. Smillie <em>From Currency Auctions of Americas sale of January 1992, lot 1369; Currency Auctions of Americas sale of January 1999, lot 1189. </em>
