PMG-certified Notes Excel at FUN Show Sales Presented by Heritage Auctions

Notes certified by Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) topped both the US currency and world currency sales presented by Heritage Auctions at the January 2020 FUN Show. In the US currency auction, three PMG-certified notes realized six figures.

An 1863 $100 Compound Interest Treasury Note graded PMG Very Fine 30 EPQ realized an impressive $228,000. Issued during the Civil War, this note represents a tumultuous time in US history that included a rapid escalation of the national debt. Nearly all other $100 notes like this one were quickly redeemed, which means they are incredibly rare today.

1863 $100 Compound Interest Treasury Note graded PMG Very Fine 30 EPQ that realized $228,000 Click images to enlarge.

In the world currency sale, a Russian-American Company 50 Kopeks printed on walrus-skin parchment realized $66,000. Graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated EPQ, this note is a relic of resourcefulness by which the Russian-American Company, operating primarily in 19th century Alaska, paid hunters and its employees. The walrus-skin money was made from recycled transport bags and could be exchanged for goods at the company store.  

Russian-American Company 50 Kopeks graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated EPQ that realized $66,000 Click images to enlarge.

Other highlights in the FUN US Currency Signature Auction included:

• a Guernsey, Wyoming 1882 $5 Brown Back graded PMG 45 Choice Extremely Fine that realized $144,000
• a Minneapolis, Minnesota $5 Original Black Charter Number graded PMG 15 Choice Fine that realized $108,000
• an 1880 $100 Silver Certificate graded PMG 30 Very Fine that realized $60,000
• a District of Alaska 1902 $5 Plain Back graded PMG 65 Gem Uncirculated EPQ that realized $60,000
• a Minneapolis, Minnesota 1902 $100 Red Seal graded PMG 25 Very Fine that realized $57,600
• a Juneau, Alaska 1902 $10 Plain Back graded PMG 35 Choice Very Fine that realized $55,200
• an 1869 $20 Legal Tender graded PMG 65 Gem Uncirculated EPQ that realized $52,800
• a 1928 $500 Federal Reserve Note graded PMG 25 Very Fine that realized $50,400
• an 1861 $5 Demand Note – New York graded PMG 50 About Uncirculated EPQ that realized $48,000
• a Minneapolis, Minnesota 1902 $50 Red Seal graded PMG 12 Fine that realized $45,600.

Other significant results in the FUN World Currency Signature Auction included:

• a Bank of Canada 1935 $20 graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated that realized $48,000
• a Zanzibar / British Administration 1908-28 5 Rupees graded PMG 25 Very Fine that realized $43,200
• a Zanzibar / British Administration 1908-28 10 Rupees graded PMG 15 Choice Fine that realized $38,400
• a Russian-American Company 25 Kopeks on walrus-skin parchment graded PMG 63 Choice Uncirculated that realized $36,000
• a Government of Newfoundland 1920 $1 graded PMG 63 Choice Uncirculated EPQ that realized $28,800
• a Panama 1941 20 Balboas Specimen graded 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ that realized $28,800
• a Bank of Canada 1935 $100 graded PMG 65 Gem Uncirculated EPQ that realized $25,200
• a German East Africa 1905 50 Rupien graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated EPQ that realized $24,000
• a Bank of Canada 1935 $25 Commemorative Issue graded PMG 65 Gem Uncirculated EPQ that realized $22,200.

All prices realized include buyer’s premium.