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Archives International Auctions - Sale AIAXXXII
75
April 11, 2016
Archives International Auctions
www.archivesinternational.com463
463 Town Of Forsythe, Georgia 1820’s Obsolete Copper Printing Plate Engraved by William Kneass.Town of Forsythe, Georgia, 182x (1820-24), Copper
printing plate of 7 different banknotes. Includes 12 1/2cts-12 1/2cts-25cts-25cts-50cts-$1-$3, (GA-Unlisted). Unlisted design, printer, and denominations only
add to the desirability of this amazing and unique printing plate from the 1820’s, the 12 1/2 cent note has a prancing horse on top, the 25 cents through the $3
note all have the same spread winged patriotic eagle holding arrows and olive branches on top middle with end panels with denomination and “Georgia” on
either side, no company, bank or merchant is listed though, the back is blank with adjustment marks, 13 by 8 inches, the plate is in amazing shape with original
golden-red patina with evidence of a cleaning sometime in the distant past. Unique copper printing plate from a new estate find and the first time ever offered
in public auction. This is one of 2 banknote plates and 3 advertising plates we are offering. William Kneass 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.
$4500-9000