Fr.374 1890 $20 Twenty Dollars Treasury Note "ORNATE BACK", PMG 65 EPQ & Embossing
This listing is for sale ONE note ONLY. The scanned image displayed the front and back of the exact note you will receive.
Treasury Notes were U.S. currency backed by precious metals and could be redeemed for either gold or silver, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury. Issued in two series, 1890 and 1891, the 1890 series is scarcer and known for its intricate, complex back design, earning it the nickname "Ornate Back." These notes facilitated the purchase of silver bullion by the U.S. Treasury and allowed redemption in coin form, making them important in the bimetallic monetary system of the era.
This particular $20 Treasury Note right here came from the series 1890. The central figure on the front is John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States. Marshall is depicted in a detailed, formal portrait on the left side of the note. Across the front of the note, the denomination is prominently displayed with large, bold “XX” or "20" in several places.
A distinctive red scalloped Treasury seal on the right side of the note, adding to its visual complexity. The serial numbers, also printed in red, were positioned at the upper right and bottom left corners. These notes featured star-ending serial numbers, which were purely decorative and did not indicate a special issuance or replacement note.
The reverse side of the 1890 $20 Treasury Note is dominated by large, block-lettered text displaying the denomination “TWENTY” in the center. This prominent feature occupies much of the design space. The background consists of intricate patterns, carefully arranged to create depth and complexity. The symmetry of the design, combined with the use of fine, repeating patterns, showcases the advanced engraving techniques used at the time. The reverse of the note is printed in the traditional green ink, which was characteristic of U.S. currency during this period. The term "greenback" originated from notes like this.
This specific 1890 $20 Twenty Dollars Treasury Note has been evaluated and given a GEM 65 grade by PMG. Additionally, the note has received an EPQ designation and the grader has also made a note of "Exceptional Embossing". According to the PMG population report, out of all the Fr.374 notes, only four have been graded as equal and three have received a higher grade.
This piece would make a striking addition to the collection of any serious collector in search of rare and valuable items.
Grade: PMG 65 EPQ & Embossing
Denomination: $20
Type: Treasury or Coin Note
Year: 1890
