Friedberg 282*. 1923 $5 Silver Certificate Star Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 68 EPQ. Here is an incredible large size replacement note in a virtually unfathomable grade level. Roughly half of the known Series of 1923 $5 Porthole star notes come from a consecutive run of high grade examples, though only this one has achieved the Superb Gem New 68 EPQ grade from PMG. While a non-star example of this type in the same grade would stop most in their tracks, the presence of this replacement note in this grade is incredible. It is worth noting that no non-star $5 Portholes have achieved a grade level of 68 EPQ from PMG.This note is virtually perfect despite the fact that is nearly a century old. The plentiful margins are perfectly centered on both the face and the back. The engraved design elements are brilliantly detailed and vividly inked. Deep blue overprint inks are beautifully presented on the creamy white paper of the note. We have examined the PMG population report and it shows that this is the single finest PMG graded large size star note in existence. It is easily one of the best large size replacement notes that could ever be available to collectors and a note that should be strongly pursued by specialists in the field. This is the last design type for large-size $5 Silver Certificates. It is a one-number type seen only with the Speelman-White signature combination. The portrait of Abraham Lincoln is found at center framed inside a heavy circular feature resembling the porthole of a ship. Lincolns portrait was engraved by BEP engraver Charles Burt, based on a photograph by Anthony Berger. The back is executed in green and features the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States at center.
