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1896 $5 Silver Certificate
The $5 Educational note picture was issued in three different signature combinations between 1896 and 1898, catalogued as Fr#268–270. It features a composition by painter Walter Shirlaw who was commissioned by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to create the image of “Electricity Presenting Light to the World.” The engraving was then masterfully executed by US Treasury engraver George F. C. Smillie. Today, many collectors consider this note to be the greatest artistic achievement of the BEP.
According to the PMG Population Report, notes of this issue, Fr#268 are more available than Fr#269 and Fr#270. As of February 2009, PMG has graded 13 examples at the level and five higher (all SGU 67 EPQ). This wonderful example is from the Jupiter Collection and is so pedigreed on the PMG certification label.