Fractional Currency Shield - Gray Background

Bureau of Printing and Engraving

Published by Washington c. 1867, Washington, 1867

About this Item

Fractional Currency shield with gray background in contemporary wood frame. With 39 examples of fractional currency. Some wear and light foxing, very good overall condition, with very little of the water stain at the bottom which is seen on many examples of the shield owing to a flood in the basement of the Treasury Building where they were stored. There is only a very small area of water staining at the bottom left corner. This shield has an example of the second issue of the 25 cent note (Friedberg 1283 et.seq.) with a purple background, as noted in Friedberg. This examples also has a small variation from the norm with the placement of the notes, with the recto and verso of the first issue of the 5 cent note (Friedberg 1228 et.seq.) swapped in location, with the recto being on the right side of this shield and the verso on the left. While shields with gray backgrounds are the most common type seen (pink and green backgrounds are exceedingly rare), they are nonetheless quite uncommon, with one estimate of only 200 to 400 examples known. They are highly sought for their beauty and wonderful engraving work. Friedberg 1382. Seller Inventory # m01152

Bibliographic Details

Title: Fractional Currency Shield - Gray Background

Publisher: Washington c. 1867, Washington

Publication Date: 1867