Newly Discovered Large Red Seal 1882 $100 Gold in our ANA World’s Fair of Money Auction

The 1882 $100 Gold Certificate, Fr. 1204 is not easy to find. In fact, the majority of collectors have probably never even seen one. Until recently it was believed that only four existed. Two of those grade VG and reside in government collections — thus they are off the market. There is a VF example, which we sold in our Bowers and Merena sale of November 2002 for $48,300. The finest graded is an EF that was sold in 1999 for $154,000. Truly opportunities to purchase an example of this rarity are few and far between.

It is quite exciting when such a note appears almost out of nowhere. This incredible rarity came to us along with 44 other type notes, all found in a glass jar in the 1950s in an Iowa community. The discovery of this 1882 $100 Large Peach "Red" seal Gold Certificate is extremely important to the paper money collecting community makes it only the fifth example known and one of only three available to collectors. It will be offered as lot 3379 on the evening of Thursday, August 15, as part of the spectacular Stack’s Bowers Galleries paper money session of our official ANA auction.

The note is graded PMG Very Fine 20, Net, with "Small tears, stains, minor rust" noted. However, the example faces up quite well and we are extremely pleased with its preservation considering the facts. The peach seal remains strong and bold, the back still remains pleasing in color, and the overall eye appeal will surprise many when viewed in person. With only 40,000 examples printed for this signature and seal combination, the chance of another surfacing is quite unlikely. This is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Lot viewing for this and all the other coins, tokens, medals, and paper money to be offered in our American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money auction will be held in our New York City offices (August 2-6). To make an appointment please call 800-458-4646. The lots will also be available for viewing at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Room 1 & 2 from August 9 through 17.