Friedberg 1206. 1882 $100 Gold Certificate. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64. Bright colors and broad margins are featured on this Choice $100 Gold Certificate. The face of this note has the portrait of Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton to the left and the denomination in two conjoined rosettes at right. Gold overprints include "GOLD" at the top center and backgrounds to the blue printed serial numbers. A cherry red scalloped Treasury Seal is right of center. This particular variety has the engraved signatures of Treasury officials Lyons and Roberts to the bottom left and right. Issued under the Act of March 3, 1863. The back is printed in a rich orange-gold and has an eagle at the center. After December 17, 1878, gold coins and paper currency were exchangeable at par in general commerce. Accordingly, these are the first of the Gold Certificates that saw wide use. The color on these notes tended to fade as is commonly seen on this type. However the Pogue example retains all of its original brilliance. The grading service mentions "Minor Restoration" on the back of the holder, though evidence of such is difficult to spot through the holder. The note retains a great overall appearance. Among American senators Benton, nicknamed "Old Bullion," is the most famous figure in the annals of gold coins. Among other things, he was responsible for the Act of June 28, 1834, which lowered the gold content of coins, permitting them to circulate at par for the first time since 1820. <em>From Limbert Illustration; Currency Auctions of Americas sale of January 1998, lot 1958. </em>
