The only complete set of Legal Tender Rainbow Notes outside the US Government hands will be exhibited at the FUN show coming up in Orlando, Florida.What makes this exhibit so distinctive is the fact that the $500.00 and $1000.00 Rainbow Notes are unique in private hands, making this the ONLY complete set possible.

For the first time the collector fraternity will have what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these rarities together. This display of the 1869 Rainbow Series Notes will consist of 9 notes ranging from the $1.00 denomination to the $1000.00 denomination.

This event has been arranged by Sergio Sanchez of Sanchez Coins and Currency from Miami, Florida. Sergio is representing the owners, a group of anonymous collectors, at the FUN show. Take the time to pass by and see this magnificent display in the Exhibition area, it could very well be the only time this will happen in ones lifetime.

SAGINAW — Mark Berg can hold Saginaw history in his hands. In a chance find this year, he uncovered the first three $10 notes Saginaw City Bank issued in 1837. The notes bear the serial numbers 1, 2 and 3 and are in perfect condition. Norman Little, founder of Saginaw City in 1836, served as Saginaw City Bank president and signed the notes Dec. 26, 1837 — 170 years ago today.

“The significance isn’t in the value of these notes or in their pristine, uncirculated condition,” said Berg, a Saginaw Township numismatic hobbyist and small-time collector. “It’s the fact that they still survive today, 170 years later, as a group.”

Little’s bank issued “wildcat” currency in 1837. His ability to sell land in Saginaw City backed the notes, says “Saginaw’s Changeable Past: An Illustrated History,” which Delta College history Professor Jeremy W. Kilar wrote. Read Full Story

Special Note is the First Graded Superb Gem New 69 of Any Large Size Type

IRVINE, Calif. – Teletrade, America’s largest fully automated Internet auction company for certified coins and currency, announces the record-setting sale of an 1899 “Black Eagle” Silver Certificate. Bidding on the note advanced to $30,000 during Teletrade’s December 10 auction, but the note did not meet the reserve. A day after the sale, Teletrade sold the note to a private buyer who was previously unavailable during auction bidding.

Teletrade is not releasing the final price the buyer paid or the identity of the buyer, but will confirm the sale price was in excess of $30,000. According to Ian Russell, president of Teletrade, “This note sets records as the highest price paid for a non Serial Number One ‘Black Eagle,’ and it is the second most expensive for the type.”

This impressive note was a record-holder even before the sale, in addition to its record sale price, as it is the first large size type note of any design to receive the grade of “69PPQ” from PCGS Currency. (more…)

Manhattan, New York - December 18, 2007 - On Dec. 12 -13, the R.M. Smythe & Co. auction of part 13 of the The Schingoethe collection of obsolete currency generated a great deal of interest from bidders. 94% of the 1162 lots offered were sold totaling $450,000 in sales. Many of the more unique and rare items far surpassed their pre-auction estimates, perhaps signaling a significant upsurge in interest for obsolete currency.

Of particular note was a $10 bill issued by the Merchants & Planters Bank of Tallahassee Florida Ca. 1830s-40s. (FL-70 G10). The bill pictured; a man plowing, top; 10s in geometric die counters, top left and right; Mercury bears cornucopia with coins, Juno Moneta seated, left; Washington in classical garb, right. RWH. VG, crease, toning. The pre-auction estimate was $150 to $250. The realized price was $3450, including the buyers commission. The $10 Tallahassee note, was not an anomaly. There were many other lots that far exceeded their pre auction estimates. These included: (more…)

A Fr. 230 1899 Silver Certificate graded Superb Gem New 69PPQ by PCGS Currency is being offered by Teletrade in their upcoming auction ending on Monday, December 10, 2007. Not only is this the sole Fr. 230 and the only note of the “Black Eagle” Silver Certificate design type graded by PCGS Currency as “69PPQ,” it is the first large size type note of any design to receive this grade from PCGS Currency.

“This magnificent note duly impressed every one of our graders who examined the note, and the grade of Superb Gem New 69PPQ was unanimous,” stated Jason W. Bradford, President of PCGS Currency. “The centering and margins are nearly perfect, and the paper quality is tremendous without any noticeable handling or counting marks. The originality is unquestionable, as the bold embossing is evident to even the casual observer.” (more…)