Fr. 1956-D637. 1934 $5 Federal Reserve Note. Cleveland. PMG Very Fine 30. Late Finished Back Plate 637. While these notes feature micro front and back plate numbers and the dark blue-green seals common to the non-mules, the fronts and backs were actually printed ruing 1945 and 1946, well into the Mule period. These rare notes are the only Dark Green Seal Non-Mules to sport the darker green backs. These are by far the rarest of all the various 637 (late finished) back plate varieties. The history of the 637 (and 629) late finished backs is complex and way beyond what could be covered here. Simply put, exigencies of WWII and metal shortages meant the BEP put several older unfinished (or even "master" plates) into production. In this case, back plate 637 was put into production some 10 years after the plate was originally made and well after all other micro back plates were retired. All 1934 637 back FRNs are major rarities, with approximately 10 examples known for the four districts. From the Laguna Coast Collection Part 1.
