Almost 30 years ago, I received a call from a dealer friend of mine who worked in a small coin shop in northern Illinois. He mentioned a woman came in with seven uncirculated early $5 Legal Tender notes. Five turned out to be scarce 1928B $5 replacement notes in Gem Uncirculated condition. These notes were found in a book purchased at a local book fair. Her $1 purchase turned out to be valued in the thousands of dollars. It happens all too often; sometimes very rare notes are placed within the pages of a random book to be dealt with later. Often the notes are forgotten, creating a windfall for others.
Fr. 1527*. 1928B $5 Legal Tender Star Note. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ. | Stacks Bowers
Just this past week I received another lead from a woman who recently lost her husband. He was an avid book collector, concentrating on First Editions. While perusing one of the books a crisp, she found a brand new $1000 Federal Reserve Note neatly tucked between its pages. I look forward to seeing what other treasures may be nestled within the pages of other books, but that is a story for another day.
As collectors we certainly enjoy showing our treasures to others, teaching about our hobby, and sharing all that comes with collecting. It is always best to place collectible notes into holders or currency albums where they will be easily found rather than, say, after page 133 of a first edition of Gone with the Wind. If that happens the note could be gone for good.
For more information on upcoming Stack’s Bowers Galleries auctions or to find out when we will be at a show near you visit StacksBowers.com. To consign to an upcoming auction, call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.”
