Archives International Auctions Sale 62 U.S., Chinese & Worldwide Banknotes, Scripophily, and Security Printing Ephemera and Historic Ephemera October 29, 2020

Archives International Auctions - Sale 62 133 October 29,2020 Archives International Auctions www.archivesinternational.com 884 884 Nashville Bank at Winchester 1820’s Copper Printing Plate Engraved By William Kneass, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Nashville (at Winchester), Tennessee, 182x (1820-24), Copper printing plate with 5 different banknotes. Includes 25cts-50cts-$1-$2-$3, (TN-180-Unlisted). No 25 Cents; 50 Cents or $3 denomination notes are known on this bank, Unlisted design, printer, and denominations only add to the desirability of this amazing and unique printing plate from the 1820’s, the back is blank, the plate is in amazing shape with original golden-red patina with evidence of a cleaning sometime in the distant past. The 25 Cents and 50 Cents notes have a denomination counter in the top middle and end panels with Tennessee and the denomination; the $1, $2 and $3 notes have a place for the serial number at the top middle and an underprint of the numeral denomination for that note and also similar end panels as the lower denomination, all are payable at Winchester. 8.5 by 12.5 inches, Unique copper printing plate from a new estate find. This banknote plate was engraved by William Kneass, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. He ran an engraving office on Fourth above Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, which was a popular meeting place for “leading wits and men of culture” up until he was appointed the second Chief Engraver of the United States Mint on January 29, 1824 until his death in 1840. In 1834, Kneass designed the Classic Head motif which appeared on Quarter Eagle ($2.50) and Half Eagle ($5.00) gold pieces from 1834-1839. He also modified John Reich’s Capped Bust design on the dime through half-dollar for the years 1829-1837. Additionally, Kneass utilized his modified Capped Bust for the rebirth of the half-dime in 1829. He also introduced a new Liberty head on the half dollar, a design that was modified several times over the next two years, The printer is W. Kneass, Philadelphia. Historic obsolete banknote plate engraved by legendary U.S. Mint engraver. ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Est. $10000-20000