The highlight of Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night Currency Signature Auction in Denver, Colorado, on August 3 was the sale of the finest known Fr. 1218f 1882 $1,000 Gold Certificate, graded PCGS Very Fine 35.
This rarity, one of only 11 known to exist, fetched an impressive $270,250, reflecting its exceptional quality and historical significance.
It’s important to note that the prices mentioned, including this one, are inclusive of the 17.5 percent buyer’s premium.
The auction took place at the Colorado Convention Center in conjunction with the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money.
The Friedberg catalog lists eight numbers for the $1,000 Gold Certificates, distinguished by different signature combinations of the Register of the Treasury and the Treasurer of the United States.
This particular note, issued during the tenure of Judson W. Lyons and Ellis H. Roberts from 1898 to June 1905, stands out as a rare specimen from a limited printing.
Another notable sale was an 1869 “Rainbow” $50 Legal Tender Note, Fr. 151, graded PCGS Very Fine 35, which sold for $76,375.
Described as having vibrant color and ample margins, this note exemplifies the aesthetic appeal and historical significance of such rarities.
An ex: Albert A. Grinnell 1875 Original Series $10/$20 double-denomination note issued by The National Bank of Middlebury, Vt., charter 1195, and graded PCGS Very Fine 25, fetched $64,625.
Among the other top lots were an 1869 “Rainbow” $20 Legal Tender Note, Fr. 127, graded PCGS Gem New 65PPQ, which sold for $52,875, and an 1882 $20 Gold Certificate, Fr. 1178, graded PMG Superb Gem Unc 67EPQ, which achieved $42,300.
Furthermore, a 1901 $10 Legal Tender, Fr. 115, with serial No. A3 and graded PCGS Gem New 66PPQ, sold for $38,775, while a Confederate Currency 1861 $1,000 T1 Montgomery, Cr. 1, graded PCGS Very Fine 35, fetched $36,425.
Rounding out the top lots were an 1882 $50 Gold Certificate triple signature, Fr. 1189a, graded PMG Fine 12, which sold for $35,250, and an 1882 $50 Brown Back issued by The Exchange National Bank of Pittsburgh, Pa., charter 1057, Fr. 508, graded PCGS Gem New 65, which realized $32,900.