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January 15-16, 2013 - New York, NY<br />
Iconic Fractional Currency Shield<br />
728<br />
728 Seldom Available “Original” Framed Gray Fractional Currency Shield - Fr. 1382.Not originally issued in frames, it<br />
is evident that many Fractional Currency Shields soon found their way into gold trimmed wooden frames, perhaps for display<br />
in public areas such as post offices. Because of the contemporary housing that is missing so frequently on shields that<br />
exist today is intact on the present, we don’t hesitate to endorse the present as fully “original”. Further differentiating the<br />
current shield from many that are offered today is the absence of water stains on the bottom quarter. Like most of the gray<br />
shields (gray being the most common of three varieties), the present is composed of 39 specimen fractional notes, four or<br />
which have hand-signed Jefferies-Spinner signature combinations. Minor variations in note conditions are visible, but the<br />
notation of specific specimen condition remains unnecessary given their relative similarity. Several condition issues however<br />
do exist and, while not major deterrents in the big picture, are worthy of mention. While not uncommon, the paper<br />
has moderately but evenly toned and close inspection yields a small tear in the lower right margin that steers clear of the<br />
shield. Additionally, several folds and creases enter the shield, primarily on the right side. Additionally, it is apparent that<br />
insects at one time made their acquaintance with the shield as minor paper thinning is traceable around portions of the<br />
margins. All said though, the present original frame, glass and shield, a combination that appears to be getting rarer and<br />
rarer with time, presents wonderfully and is one of the most visually imposing items available to banknote aficionados. Further,<br />
it is one of the truest pieces of numismatic Americana available to collectors, offering those few lucky owners the<br />
chance to intimately connect to a time when counterfeiting was a great public concern and the government’s answer to<br />
said problem was to produce a visual display of what things “should look like”, so as to educate the populace. A wonderful<br />
piece of American fabric that is sure to be cherished by its next owner. (photo)<br />
Est. 3,000-5,000<br />
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