United States Paper Money of the Week: Stack’s Bowers Galleries to Offer Finest Available 1923 “Porthole” $5 Silver Certificate

Based on the lot description by Matt Quinn, Director of Currency

Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to offer a remarkable 1923 $5 “Porthole” Silver Certificate in our official auction of the ANA World’s Fair of Money. The offered Fr. 282 note is graded PCGS Superb Gem New 68 PPQ, and is the only example to have garnered a Superb Gem 68 grade from either PMG or PCGS Currency. This will be a highlight of our fabulous currency session, to be held Thursday, August 15th, beginning at 5:00 pm, Central Time.

This popular design was awarded the number 30 spot in the book 100 Greatest American Currency Notes by Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman. Shown is a circular portrait vignette of Abraham Lincoln at center with THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around. The broad border design features heavy geometric detail and repeated wording and denomination clarification. There is an ornate blue overprinted "5 Dollars" at right and a small blue scalloped Treasury seal at left. The back design displays the Great Seal of the Untied States at center with a rayed design surrounding. 

The focal point of this note has always been the bust of President Lincoln at center. This serial number A4111282B note shows excellent detail on the portrait. Vivid primary inks in black and green (for the face and back respectively) are pronounced and the blue overprinted details are vivid. As expected for this incredible grade, there is lovely embossing at all the overprinted devices. Picture frame-like centering further enhances the appeal, with large even borders at all sides and registration of the face and back impressions that would satisfy even the fussiest of collectors. Interestingly, this note shows its Friedberg number as the last three digits of the serial number. We anticipate that this incredible Silver Certificate will find a new home in an outstanding cabinet.

Lot viewing for this and all the other coins, tokens, medals, and paper money to be offered in our American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money auction will be held in our Irvine, California (July 18-26) and New York City offices (August 2-6). To make an appointment for either of these locations, please call 800-458-4646. The lots will also be available for viewing at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Room 1 & 2 from August 9 through 17.