United States Paper Money of the Week: The Watermelon Collection of Large Size Type Notes

By Matthew Quinn, Director of Currency.

Stack’s Bowers Galleries is please to present an advanced portfolio covering nearly all genres of the large size type to be a featured collection in our Official Auction of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money^SM , August 2-10, 2012 in Philadelphia.

The Watermelon Collection owes its name to the Fr. 377 1890 $100 Treasury Note, a particular favorite of the owner. Graded by PCGS Currency as Fine 15, the note has sharp inks and even circulation, a classic which always stands as a pillar in any collection of United States banknotes. The entire collection was formed decades ago, prior the advent of collectible currency third party grading, and has since been encapsulated in its entirety by PCGS Currency.

Upon first viewing the collection my first thoughts were that the size and scope of the collection is outstanding. The material included will certainly appeal to collectors, as these banknotes have not been on the market for a long time. Having the collection be solely concentrated on large size type gives a nice intimacy and focus. Even with the $100 1890 note on my desk, a few other pieces caught my eye -- the First Charter Period high denomination National Banknotes quickly became some of my favorite pieces within the collection.

Particular types include a Fr. 463 1875 $100 note from Zanesville, Ohio, in PCGS Very Fine 30 PPQ and an Original Series Fr. 442 $50 note from the Government National Bank of Pottsville, Pa., in problem-free PCGS Very Fine 25. The highlight of these early National Banknote-era higher denominations is a PCGS Extremely Fine 45, Fr. 444 $50 1875 note from the Farmers National Bank of Reading, Pa. This note radiates appeal with a precise impression of the design, highlighted by a brilliant and rare-for-the-type right-center blue tint.