Fr. 353. 1890 $2 Treasury Note. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ. Serial Number 60. It has been sometime since we have offered an ornate back Deuce to our bidders at this grade level, so this example is sure to turn a few heads as it crosses the auction block. Low serial number A60 is boldly printed in deep red ink at lower left and top right. The engraved design elements display striking detail. The ornately printed "Fancy Back" is flawlessly executed in brilliant green. Depicted at right is the "Hero of Vicksburg", General James McPherson, which was engraved by Charles Burt. McPherson, killed in the July 1864 Battle of Atlanta, served as chief engineer under General U.S. Grant in 1862, and later served in the Vicksburg Campaign (1862-1863) and the Battle of Shiloh (1864), after which he was given command of the Army of the Tennessee. His death is notable in more than one respect. The army he faced in Atlanta was led by Confederate General John Bell Hood, who had been McPhersons classmate at West Point, illustrating how close associates and even brothers found themselves opposing each other on the field of battle. Additionally he was the second highest ranking Union officer killed in the war.
