It’s time for another “Battle of the Bank Notes”. Before we show you this edition’s contenders, let’s have a little history lesson first.
It’s 1935, the height of the depression. You’re in Washington DC, out for a stroll after a few beverages at the local bar, passing the United States Treasury Warehouse. Something doesn’t smell right: no, it’s not your beer breath. Instead, the odor is of smoke and fire. To your surprise, you look up and see the Treasury Warehouse ablaze. Then, paper starts falling out the windows as officials attempt to stop the spread of the fire.
Rushing over to one of the singed scraps, you’re dumbstruck: it’s a 1900 $10,000 Gold Certificate in all its glory, and there are hundreds falling from the sky. Your luck couldn’t get any better, and you casually disappear into the night with the solution to all your financial problems, even though the note is still official government property.
Sadly, your new found wealth is short lived. The Treasury is well aware of what happened during the fire, and cancelled any remaining notes, deeming ones that “disappeared” as worthless. If you hold on for another 75 years, maybe you’ll get some cash for it, but in 1935, it’s no better than a supermarket coupon.
Let’s have a look a two surviving specimens, of about 371 known examples.
Here’s USRareCurrency.com’s Note:
This specimen from USRareCurrency.com is in great condition, at the top end of the spectrum with a PMG 63 grade. Most surviving notes were stained by the water used to fight the fire, creating further brown discoloration on some notes. USRareCurrency.com writes that the note has bright white paper, a nice red treasury seal, and no pinholes, tears, or rips; aside from the cancellation punch holes.
Asking price: $7,950 USD
Now, here’s Cash’s note:
Cash has comments similar to USRareCurrency.com’s remarks about their 1900 $10,000 GC. He believes this example to be one of the better notes he’s owned. Additionally, Cash writes that it is very affordable note, compared to a GEM 65 example that went for $12,075 in November 2010.
Asking price: $5,150 USD
More about USRareCurrency.com – www.usrarecurrency.com: USRareCurrency.com offers a memorable collection of rare and highly desirable United States paper money. Based in Redmond, Washington state, this dealer and private collector has amassed an outstanding inventory of both large and small size type notes, in addition to a great selection of low and fancy serial number notes. Member: ANA, SPMC, and PMG. Have a look at this stunning website!
More about Jhon E. Cash – www.jhonecash.com: Jhon E. Cash is the nation’s leading reseller of ultra-high denomination US currency ($5,000 and $10,000 notes). His website currently lists well over 300 notes for sale, totaling just shy of $4,000,000 in value. Additionally, Cash specializes in Star #1 notes, offering a few choice selections from his personal collection for sale. 1899 $1 Silver Certificate Black Eagle fans will drool looking at an impressive collection of fancy serial numbered notes, all in Uncirculated to Gem condition. Cash works with Brandon Kelley, a noted numismatic expert, to offer a full service website for both coin and paper currency lovers.
Comments are open…Who win’s this “Battle of the Bank Notes”?
Showcase your note in our “Battle of the Bank Notes” column: simply email us: theplazacenter1@yahoo.com with subject “Battle of the Bank Notes” and we’ll happily make a post for you!