Currency rarities from the Eric P. Newman Collection are featured in Heritage’s May 3 Internet Currency Auction. Newman curated a collection of coins and currency unmatched in quality or depth.
The event includes nearly 1,500 lots, led by a 1775 Massachusetts Bay Colony 5 Pounds 4 Shillings Bond that was printed from a copper plate engraved by Paul Revere. Graded Very Fine 20 by PCGS Currency, the bond was used to help finance the Continental Army during the early years of the American Revolution. The pre-auction estimate places the piece from $5,000-$10,000.
Uncut items are a popular subset of currency collecting, describes Heritage, with the Newman Collection having several rarities. Two highlights include a Perforated Block of Eight First Issue Fr.1229 5-Cent Notes, graded PCGS Choice 58PPQ, and a Confederate Sheet of 10 T20 $20 Notes, graded PCGS Extremely Fine 45.
The Internet auction also offers an 1830 Territory of Florida $1 Note. Less than 40 Florida Territory $1 notes are known to survive.
Graded PCGS Very Fine 35, the note features a low serial number and is expected to realize from $2,500-$5,000.
Heritage draws attention to an 1850 $1 Note, graded PCGS Very Fine 35 and issued by the Phenix Bank in New York.
The rarity features a phoenix rising from flames, and is expected to bring from $1,000-$2,000.
Then there is a mysterious note for sale, an Undated Steamer J.A. Cotten 25 Cents Note graded PCGS Very Fine 20.
"In addition to ‘Steamer J.A. COTTEN’ text and the denomination, the small note contains a pair of steamboat vignettes and the obligation ‘Due by Narcisse Paris, Redeemable in Three Dollars’," Heritage describes. "Logic suggests the note is in relation to the Confederate steamer J.A. Cotton, which was sunk by Union forces on April 14, 1863."
Its association with the ship, however, is currently unconfirmed.
Online proxy bidding is open at HA.com/241626. The auction starts May 3 at 10 a.m. Central Time.
Heritage Auctions is the largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the United States, and the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer. To learn more about the company, visit HA.com.
Eric P. Newman is a gentleman & a numismatic scholar & is 105 years old living in his native city of St. Louis & will be 106 next month! I was fortunate to have met him a number of times at ANA & ANS events since 1986. His wife of 70 years Evelyn sadly passed in 2015 at age 95. He has put his millions of dollars from selling his collections into a charitable Living Trust that allows researchers access to his vast collection of high res digital photos & research notes, books etc. What a great man!
-NumisDudeTX