The Namesake Note of the South — PMG’s Note of the Month

USA Haxby Louisiana 15-G26a 1860s $10. Click image to enlarge.

Country: USA

Catalog Number: Haxby Louisiana 15-G26a

Date: 1860s

Denomination: $10 

Varieties: No varieties. There are no known issued notes. All known are remainders

What makes it special? Mardi Gras is Feb. 25, 2020. The first Mardi Gras in the United States was celebrated March 3, 1699, just outside of present-day New Orleans.

Why is it interesting now? Mardi Gras literally translates from French as “Fat Tuesday.”  This was the day when party goers would eat all the fatty foods, such as meats, eggs, cheese, milk and lard, before Lent begins. Traditionally, Lent is 40 days during which Christians fast and refrain from eating meat.

Did you know? These notes were known as “Dixes” because dix means 10 in French.  Dix was changed to “Dixie” and became the popular name describing New Orleans and the South in general. It was popularized by Daniel Decatur Emmett’s 1859 song "(I Wish I Was In) Dixie's Land.” Reportedly, it was one of President Abraham Lincoln’s favorite songs.

Total graded by PMG: 179

PMG median grade: 65

PMG highest graded: 67 (7 in this grade)

Sales highlights: A note graded PMG 66 EPQ recently was sold by Heritage Auctions for $660.

PMG Registry Champion: Obsoletes aren’t a part of the competitive registry but can compete among the PMG Signature Sets.

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• PMG's Featured Note of the Month: January 2020

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