Archives International Auctions Auction 103 June 11, 2025

Archives International Auctions - Sale 103 69 June 11, 2025 Archives International Auctions www.archivesinternational.com 295 295 D.C. Historic Original and Series of 1875 Large Die Proofs of Reverse Vignettes ca.1864-1875. Washington, D.C., Lot of 6 Large Die Proofs of the back vignettes used on the Original Series (1863 to 1875), and the Series of 1875 National Bank Note Issues for the denominations of $10; $20; $50; $100; $500, and $1000 denominations, all are PMG graded Choice Uncirculated 63, and all are printed on india paper mounted on large thin card, printed in black with a blue Serial Number on the back of each card. The back designs include: $10, “De Soto Discovering the Mississippi”, Fr.#409-423a, HUNL5aBD; $20, Baptism of Pocahontas, Fr.# 424-439, H729BD; $50, Embarkation of the Pilgrims, Fr.# 440-451, H104BD; $100, Declaration of Independence, Fr. #452-463, H1151BD; $500, Surrender of General Burgoyne, Fr.# 464-464a, HUNL500aBD; and, Washington Resigning His Commission, Fr.#465, H1403BD. All have a decorative and embellished birder that was removed from the main design that was used on the final banknote back design. All were graded PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 but all appear Gem Uncirculated. These historic back vignette die proofs were produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) and reflect some of the most iconic allegorical and historical scenes ever featured on U.S. currency. The imagery was originally engraved for the backs of the National Bank Notes during a time when elaborate artwork was used to instill confidence in the financial system and emphasize national pride. Each proof includes a blue control serial number on the reverse, a common practice for archival tracking by the BEP. Die proofs of this caliber and completeness, particularly in uniformly high grade, are seldom seen as a group. This lot represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a matched set of high-grade examples of all six major denomination back designs, each illustrating pivotal moments in American history. ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Est. $6000-12000