FR. 212d-I – July 15, 1865, $50 Interest Bearing Note, PMG20 -VF

FR. 212d-I – July 15, 1865, $50 Interest Bearing Note, PMG20 -VF

A classic “middle-of-the-book” design, this note also holds the distinction of serving as the Friedberg plate note for editions 19 through 22 (2010–2021) of Paper Money of the United States by Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg. In the 22nd edition, only seven examples of Fr. 212d-I are recorded, with two permanently housed at the Smithsonian Institution.

Evenly circulated, it features generous margins on all four sides and sharp inks that are ideal for the grade. A large bronze “50” dominates the back design. PMG notes restoration along the upper left edge—small and skillfully done.

Issued as a circulating bond, this note would have originally had five attached coupons. At top center, it notes a daily interest rate of one cent. The central vignette depicts a large bald eagle—interestingly, with some imagination, this eagle could be modified into the smaller eagle seen on the $10 Legal Tender notes of 1869–1880, which, when inverted, earned the famous nickname “Jackass” note.

Truly one of the most published and recognizable examples of its type—an outstanding piece destined for another prestigious collection.