COLTRANE COLLECTION SELECTIONS: BACK DESIGNS

Currency collectors will find many fascinating notes in The Mike Coltrane Collection Part 1, to be sold unreserved by Heritage Auctions on November 4–5, 2020. Many of these United States currency notes, most of which have been off the market for decades and offered certified for the first time, have interesting and often overlooked features.

The Federal currency faces often spawn commonly used nicknames such as “Chiefs” and “Bisons.” Back design intricacies merit appreciation and study; some have nicknames such as “Poker Chip” and “Diamond Back.” The famous “Grand Watermelon” derives its nickname from its distinctively engraved “0” elements on the back. The Mike Coltrane Collection is laden with notes with well-engraved backs that are richly engraved, colorful, and historical.

Fr. 197 $ $20 Act of March 3, 1863 One-Year 5% Interest Bearing Note Hessler X137B. PMG Choice Very Fine 35 An early “Diamond Back” motif dominates the center of this back. Later, the well-known horizontal diamond structure appeared on 1886 $20 Silver Certificates. Lot 25109.

Fr. 341 $100 1880 Silver Certificate PMG Very Fine 30
This high denomination Silver Certificate back is printed in a distinctive brownish ink and featuring a linear “SILVER” across. Lot 25159.

Danville, IL - $50 1875 Fr. 451 The Second National Bank Ch. # 2584 PMG Very Fine 30 The First Charter National Bank Notes arguably have the greatest backs used on American currency. The art was adapted from historical painting from the United States Capitol building. The Embarkation of the Pilgrims is based on Robert Weir's painting. Lot 25191.

San Francisco, CA - $5 1870 Original Fr. 1136 The First National Gold Bank of San Francisco Ch. # 1741 PMG Choice Very Fine 35
National Gold Bank Notes were printed on distinctive golden paper . The back of this “In Gold Coin” payable series featured a uniquely styled array of various United State gold coins (with an 1871 obverse on an 1870 dated note) engraved and printed with a "trompe l'oeil" effect. Lot 25244.

Fr. 1219e $1000 1907 Gold Certificate PMG Very Fine 30
Gold Certificates have eye-catching and often intensely orange back like this. Virtually all “Gold Notes” have these colorful backs and most are quite affordable. Lot 25273.

All lots are currently on Heritage Auctions preview at HA.com/3575. The sale will be held in Dallas with Session 1 (floor) on November 4 and Session 2 (online only) on November 5. Lot viewing will be available by appointment only at Heritage's Office in Dallas (October 26- November 4); contact Jose Berumen at JBerumen@ha.com or 214-409-1299.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
COLTRANE COLLECTION SELECTIONS PART 1 (https://www.coinbooks.org/v23/esylum_v23n41a22.html)

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