Answers for the Avid Collector
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Question: I
was looking at some paper money the other day and noticed that one of the notes
had the signature of Treasurer Daniel N. Morgan on it twice. I was told that
this was a “courtesy autograph.” Can you explain that term for me? Also, do you
have information on Daniel N. Morgan? – C. A.
Answer:
Daniel N. Morgan was a native of
Connecticut and a career banker. He served as treasurer of the United States
from June 1, 1893 until June 30, 1897, during which time currency plates were
made with his signature, along with the signature of the current register of
the Treasury. These signatures were then printed on the paper money.
From June 1, 1893 to June 19 of
the same year (only 18 days) the signature combination was that of Morgan and
William S. Rosecrans as register. While their time together was short, the
printing plates continued to be used
later. Despite this, relatively few notes with the Rosecrans-Morgan signature
combination exist, and the $5 and $20 Series of 1882 Date Backs are great
rarities.
From July 1, 1893 through June
30, 1897, the register was James F. Tillman. During the nearly four years of
this combination (and while the plates continued in use) many millions of notes
were issued, including the famous 1896 Educational $1, $2, and $5 Silver Certificates.
As for the second hand-written
signature, Morgan himself was a collector of autographs. He kept several books
of blank pages and invited prominent government officials and others to sign
them. Visitors to Morgan’s office in the Treasury Department Building in
Washington often exchanged bills with him to get a freshly printed one with
Morgan’s inked signature added on the spot. These are called “courtesy
autographs” today and they are encountered somewhat regularly in the market,
for Morgan as well as other signers.
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