Fr. 377 $100 1890 TN Rosecrans-Huston (1st) The Levitan Watermelon One of The Best (2nd)

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Large Size Type Notes > Treasury Notes

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Fr. 377 $100 1890
Grade: PMG Ch. XF 45    

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Admiral David Farragut was born July 5, 1801 and was the Navy’s senior during the America Civil War, as well as the first full admiral of the U.S. Navy. At only twelve years old he was given his first command during the War of 1812; that of a prize ship taken by the USS Essex, which he returned to port safely. His role was integral in the American Civil War, being largely responsible for the capture of New Orleans and for his victory at the Battle of Mobile Bay. It is from this battle that his famous quote comes: “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” He died August 14, 1870, and has four monuments in his honor as well as numerous places and items named after him, undoubtedly none as prestigious as his portrait on the $100 1890 and 1891 Treasury Coin note. The Watermelon note remains the single most recognizable note among knowledgeable collectors of U.S. currency today. It has been so named for the similarity of the design within the oblong areas on the back of the note to the stripes on a watermelon (I guess they never saw Black Diamond watermelons). This note last appeared in public auction as part of the Levitan Collection where it sold to the same buyer of the Grand Watermelon note. Well, we sold them again in 2005, and this was not part of that collection. PCGS has downgraded William A. Philpott's original grade of AU to Extremely Fine 45, but it still remains one of the best you will ever have an opportunity to own. The census lists 34 serial numbers, but eight are permanently impounded by government collections and museums. The note has been graded Ch. XF 45 by PMG. It is one of a group that falls within a five serial number range which includes: A104451 CU Treasury to Smithsonian A104453 XF 45 Levitan (this example) A104454 AU Jason Wade, Bebee, ANA Museum This makes me curious as to the real quality of each, but I have not examined either of the others. In 2005 we sold the following notes: March 2005 Fine 12 $24,150 August 2005 XF 40 $143,750 October 2005 PCGS 50 $207,000 November 2005 PCGS 45 $105,800 As part of the Great Lakes Collection we sold an XF at $143,750, and in the Rickey Collection we sold a PCGS AU 50 for $207,000. Also, in May 2005 Heritage sold a Ch. New for $356,500. Here is how the privately held notes have been listed: A4274 VF A8423 Fine A9108 VF+ A12126 AU A17645 VG A26415 CGA EF 45 A27644 Fine A30163 VF A36191 Fine A44220 VG A45094 PCGS VF 30 A67171 CU A93772 Unknown A93800 VF A99502 VG - A104453 AU A108191 VF A109390 EF A110159 VG A110553 VF A112872 VG A116953 EF A117375 VF+ A117656 AU A118783 VF-EF

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