Friedberg 347. 1890 $1 Treasury Note. PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 68 EPQ. More than 500 of these Rosecrans-Huston signed "Ornate Back" $1 Treasury Notes are known to exist, but none are equal to or finer than this example. It is a brilliantly printed and remarkably well preserved ace that is as near to perfection as could ever be expected in a large size type note. The distinctive portrait of Edwin Stanton is seen to the left of center. A vividly detailed large brown spiked Treasury Seal is featured at right. Bold red serial numbers are presented at the lower left and top right. This incredible note features the "fancy back," where the word "ONE" is in large and intricately engraved letters against an extremely rich green background. At the Bureau of Engraving and Printing this was a team effort, and involved the combined talents of D.M. Cooper, W.A. Coppenhaver, W.H. Douglas, E.M. Hall, E.E. Myers, and George U. Rose, Jr. (according to Gene Hessler). The skillful work of those artisans is abundantly clear down to the most minute detail on this example. Four evenly spaced and ample margins frame both the front and back plate impressions. The paper is flawless, creamy white in color and free of any distracting attributes whatsoever. PCGS Currency has not graded an example of this variety above Gem New 66 PPQ while the second finest PMG graded examples are also at the Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ level. This is the finest known example by two grade levels. For collectors seeking the absolute best notes available look no further. Edwin Stanton was secretary of War under President Lincoln. Upon learning of an attack on Secretary of State William Seward (which happened simultaneously with the more famous attack on President Lincoln), Stanton, seemingly without regard for his personal safety, went immediately to Sewards home. There he learned of Lincolns condition, and proceeded to where the President lay dying in a private home across from the theater. Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson and Seward were all intended targets that night, though the participant assigned to Johnson failed to act. Stanton himself may have been a target, as at least one account (never confirmed) references someone seen running from hiding near his house that night. After the assassination, Stanton led the charge in ensuring that the conspirators were captured and tried for their offenses.
