16797

Fr. 1179 $20 1905 Gold Certificate Gem New. From ou

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Paper Money - United States Start Price:25,501.00 USD Estimated At:100,000.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
Fr. 1179 $20 1905 Gold Certificate Gem New. From ou
<B>Fr. 1179 $20 1905 Gold Certificate Gem New.</B></I> From our May 18, 2001 sale where it was lot 1373. At that sale, the note was described "A strictly original, deeply embossed, beautifully margined Serial Number 1 Technicolor. This piece traces its history to the March 1945 sale of the Grinnell Collection. Even without the all-important serial number 1, this would be a very special note, as the brilliant colors that give this note its Technicolor nickname are all as bright as we've ever seen them on any example. Add to that exceptional centering, perfect paper surfaces and deep embossing, and the importance of this piece cannot be overlooked. In January of 2000, we sold a Serial Number 1 Fr. 298 Tombstone for $110,000, and in our opinion, that note pales in comparison to the significance of this incredible piece. In the Grinnell sale, where few notes were described with more than a cursory comment, this note was given the following glowing description: "$20.00 -1905, Portrait, Washington, Red seal (scallops). Sigs. Lyons and Roberts, Obv. Plate 6, Rev. 3, with the extremely rare serial 1, Rare combination indeed, for the note in the early part of this sale, among the signature series, is not an absolutely crisp, uncirculated specimen as is this sparkling gem. This is one of the most attractive notes ever issued by our government. The beautiful lathe work comprising the frame design surrounds the rich yellow field in the center of which appears the dignified portrait of Washington. Above center is '20' in yellow and below the portrait, the words 'In Gold Coin' also printed in rich yellow. The color contrast effects present a picture comparable to a magnificent painting and must be seen to be fully appreciated. This colorful beauty is an absolutely perfect, Crisp, Unc." We're every bit as impressed with this piece today as its cataloger of 56 years ago was. Only two possible Serial Number 1's could exist for this Technicolor type: this piece, and another for Fr. 1180. It appears likely that the Fr. 1180 Serial Number 1 does not exist, as its only mention ever was a pencil notation of Bill Donlon's, claiming he owned it. Donlon owned this Number 1 Fr. 1179 at the time he made that notation, and he almost certainly was referring to this note, as no other record of the existence of the Fr. 1180 #1 is known." In that sale, the note had been estimated at $125,000 and realized $176,000. Today's market for #1 notes is a bit lower, but we would still be surprised if this note did not reach six figures. Lot:16797