The D. Brent Pogue Collection Part VI

The D. Brent Pogue Collection Part VI event, presented by Stack’s Bowers Galleries, brings to auction 230 pieces of historical paper currency from the United States. One of the highlighted lots is a $100 “Watermelon Note” from 1890. Collectors gave this note its nickname due to the fruit-like shape and shading of the two zeros on its back. Also pictured on the bill is naval officer David Farragut, who supported Union forces throughout the Civil War.

Also available is an 1863 “Spread Eagle” $100 note. On the bill, an eagle stands on a rock with outstretched wings. The gallery notes that the bill’s irregular size often caused improperly-cut margins. An 1869 $50 note comes to auction as one of approximately 60 surviving examples. On its front, a woman holds an olive branch in one hand. A portrait of Henry Clay decorates the right side of the note. Clay was a statesman who advocated for the abolition of slavery in his native Kentucky. 

Rounding out the featured lots is a $1,000 gold certificate from 1907. A portrait of Alexander Hamilton is displayed in the center of the bill, with a seal printed in gold to Hamilton’s right. This lot is the only known example of the certificate to receive the grade “Gem Uncirculated.” Register to bid for this event on the Stack’s Bowers Galleries website. The gallery also holds multiple simultaneous sessions, which interested bidders can track on the website’s auction calendar.