Harlan J. Berk, Ltd. “The Art & Science of Numismatics”
Tel: (312) 609-0016
31 N. Clark Street • Chicago, Illinois 60602
Internet: www.hjbltd.com
Fax: (312) 609-1305 Email: info@hjbltd.com
The Saginaw Collection of United States Paper Money Experts Dennis Forgue & Sammy Berk
The Saginaw collection was produced by an avid collector in Michigan throughout the 60s and 70s. Comprised primarily of $1 and $2 bills, this collection came to us in a most original, unaltered form. While all pieces of the collection have been entered into our inventory, the following is a selection of the finest notes. Every note aside from the Citizen’s National Bank note have been graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service.
Highlights •
1923 $1 United States note GEM UNC 66 PPQ
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1899 $2 Silver Certificate CH. UNC 64 Autographed
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1928 E $1 Silver Certificate CH. UNC 66 PPQ
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1890 $2 Treasury Note EF 40
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1865 $2 First National Bank of Lincoln Illinois CH. UNC 63 PPQ
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1875 $5 Citizen’s National Bank of Saginaw Michigan 1st known F
United States Notes (Legal Tender)
AP 16321 1862 $1 Fr. 16c EF 45 $1,350 A low serial number example, with nice centering, bold color throughout the note most notably observed in the seal.
AP 16334
1862 $2 Fr. 41a CH.AU 55 $3,595 Clean and well centering in near uncirculated condition. Seal has faded some over the years it’s seen and there is one pin hole in the upper left side of the profile portrait of Alexander Hamilton. Overall note faces up absent of any folds.
AP 16322
1869 $1 Fr. 18 VF 30 $1,350 Original deep blue coloring and nice red seal, which can be difficult to find among this variety. Would be PPQ if not for pin hole above the “U” in “United States.”
AP 16335
1869 $2 Fr. 42 AU 50 Apparent $3,950 About new example with slight fading to the color and seal, yet the blue water marking is well defined from top to bottom of the note. Apparent grade a result of “minor mounting remnants on back.�
1923
$1
Fr. 40
AP 16325 GEM UNC 66 PPQ
$1095
A near perfect example of a simplistically beautiful note. Far more rare than the Silver Certificate of the same series, this note boasts bright red seals and serial numbers. Aside from the third print, which is shifted slightly left, the note is perfect centering. A fine example of Gem New 66 Premium Paper Quality.
Silver Certificates
AP 16337 1886
$2
Fr. 242
CHAU 58 PPQ
$2,650
Large red seal with exceptional color and perfectly centered. Clean portrait of General Winfield Scott and detailed ornate reverse. This an exceptional note, worthy of its premium paper quality grade.
AP 16324 1889
$1
Fr. 215
VF 35 PPQ
$595
A wonderful Martha Washington specimen with sharp, small plain seal and highly attractive ornate design on the reverse which easily faces up almost uncirculated.
1891
$1
Fr. 223
AP 16326
AU 53 PPQ
$1,400
Exceptional example of an almost uncirculated Martha Washington with premium paper quality. Note features a fine scalloped red seal, and a fresh, open back reverse.
AP 16338
1891 $2 Fr. 246 CH.UNC 63 Apparent $3,500 A popular type note of exceptional quality, this piece features a bust of William Windom, Secretary of the Treasury, an elaborate, wavy font, and tilted 2 in the lower right corner. The plain back reverse holds a beautiful, flamboyant quality that demands a unique approval from anyone whom takes the time to enjoy it. Apparent grade given due to small edge tear at top right of center.
1896
$1
Fr. 224
AP 16327
AU 53 PPQ
$1,595
One of the most stunning examples of U.S. currency, this $1 Educational shows the goddess History instructing a young boy while pointing to the panoramic view of the nation’s capitol. This note features a deep seal and a clean reverse with portraits of George and Martha Washington.
1896
$2
Fr. 248
AP 16339
CH.AU 55 PPQ
$5,500
A superb example from an alluring series of U.S. currency, the Educational deuce depicts Science presenting the youths Steam and Electricity to a more mature Commerce and Manufacture on the obverse, with portraits of Fulton and Morse surrounded by an elaborate design on the reverse. This note displays all attributes that make it worthy of its premium paper quality grade.
AP 16340
1899 $2 Fr. 255 CH.UNC 64 Autographed $2250 This is a one of a kind example of a most prominent large size type note. The $2 Silver Certificate of the 1899 series displays a bust of George Washington adorned on either side by two allegorical figures representing Agriculture and Mechanics. This particular specimen features a courtesy autograph by the Treasurer of the United states, John Burke. The note exhibits fresh eye appeal among a deep, bold third print and refreshingly clean reverse.
1928
$1
AP 16353
Fr. 1600 UNC 62 PPQ
$495
Very low serial number with deep blue third print, and premium paper quality. An exceptional piece in for anyone with an interest in collecting serial numbers.
1928 B
$1
Fr. 1602 CH.AU 58PPQ
AP 16355 $195
Experimental variety with a perfectly centered deep blue third print, and premium paper quality.
AP 16356
1928 C $1 Fr. 1603 AU 53 $395 Rare variety with deep blue seal over a very clean note and near perfect centering of the third print.
1928 D
$1
AP 16357
Fr. 1604 CHAU 55 Apparent
$175
Uncommon variety with deep blue third print. Apparent due to hinge remnants on reverse.
1928 E
$1
Fr. 1605 CH.UNC 66 PPQ
AP 16358 $3,500
An exceptional example of a truly rare gem. This specimen boasts a deep blue third print, near perfect margins, and a population of only 11 in this grade with only 9 finer.
1 1935 A
$1
Fr. 1608 * m
AP 15890
CH.UNC 63, 62
$4,500
This is a totally unique discovery run of extraordinary notes that have many distinctive elements among them. This set consists of four $1 Silver Certificates, all Star Notes, with the center two being a changeover pair, that is a change from micro to macro size plate numbers (a 1935 back to a 1935A back). The only known STAR pair in existence. The other two being the bookend notes, one micro the other macro. All grade choice uncirculated or uncirculated by PCGS.
Treasury Notes (Coin Notes)
AP 16330
1890 $1 Fr. 347 EF 40 $2,200 Excellent eye appeal with a sharp seal and superb color on the reverse. This is the earliest signature combination on the first of two styles issued for the Treasury note. A delightful example that arguably faces up in an almost uncirculated condition.
1891
$1
Fr. 352
AP 16331
AU 50 PPQ
$825
A very attractive example of the second style of Treasury notes, which feature a much more open reverse than the 1890 issue. The note excels through its eye appeal with an obverse that faces up true to the grade and a reverse that accurately represents the premium paper quality it holds.
AP 16341
1890 $2 Fr. 353 EF 40 $4,950 This is truly an extra fine example of this desirable fancy back type note. Exceptionally centered on both the reverse and obverse, this note exhibits comfortable margins that only add to the eye appeal of the bill. The seal is crisp and clean with excellent color and the note reveals light handling with no evidence of heavy folds or creases.
1891
$2
Fr. 357
AP 16342
EF 45 PPQ
$1,950
Great body with exceptional eye appeal, healthy margins and a nicely centered third print. This note displays a refreshing cleanliness that acts as a perfect backdrop for the plain back design and admirably earns the premium paper quality grade given to it.
Federal Reserve Bank Notes
AP 16333 1918
$1
Fr. 712
New York
AU 50 PPQ
$275
Excellent embossing and color throughout the note. Centering is not perfect but margins very comfortable with no edges too narrow. Paper quality is clean and original earning it the PPQ grade it deserves.
AP 16343 1918
$2
Fr. 750
New York
EF 45 PPQ
$950
Good body and ink tones throughout the note with some signs of light handling. Nicely centered with healthy margins on both sides. The battleship on the reverse comes off with great clarity and detail, which is important as the design of this note is unlike any other in the history of Unites States currency.
National Bank Notes
AP 16344 1865
$2
Fr. 389
Ch # 2126
CH.UNC 63 PPQ
$12,500
This is an original series, Lazy Deuce from the First National Bank of Lincoln Illinois. The note holds refreshing eye appeal, with a deep, bold, red color in the charter number, seal and serial number. The reverse exhibits remarkable detail in the image of Sir Walter Raleigh in England displaying tobacco and corn from the new world known as America, surrounded by a magnificent green border. In this grade, there are only a population of two known, with none finer. A true rarity among a small population of this highly sought after piece of American history.
1875
$5
Fr. 404
Ch # 2492
AP 16308 FINE
$12,500
A truly unique discovery as this is the first known note to exist from the Citizens National Bank of Saginaw, Michigan. The bank was chartered in 1880 and lasted for eight years before it was liquidated in 1888. By 1910 there was only $715 outstanding to the treasury records. The obverse of the note depicts the sighting of land by Columbus on the left and a presentation of an Native American princess for the old world on the right. The reverse displays the landing of Columbus in the new world adorned by the seal of Michigan and the American eagle on either side. This one of a kind treasure is in fine condition with small edge splits and a few pin holes.
1865
$1
Fr. 382
Ch #2126
AP 16332 UNC 62 $3,250
This original series $1 national was issue for the First National Bank of Lincoln, Illinois. The note depicts two maidens holding hands before an alter with one pointing to the heavens on the obverse. The reverse shows a tumultuous scene of the pilgrims landing in the new world adorned by green borders that display the shield of Illinois to the left and an American Eagle on the right. The borders are complete as the centering was nicely done. The third print holds a strong, bold , red color and the seal has very sharp detail to it. This is a fairly low serial number and there is a minute population of two in this grade with only three finer. A fine piece for any national collection.