1890's American Bank Note Company, New York Presentation Frame.

Uniquely Styled and Exceedingly Rare American Bank Note Company Presentation Frame

Proof Notes from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia-Panama, Ecuador, Greece, Peru, Nova Scotia, and the United States

1890's American Bank Note Company, New York Presentation Frame.

We had the privilege of offering this spectacular item in our 2019 August ANA sale where we described it as:

"A remarkable numismatic treasure and possibly the only example available to the collecting community. On September 28, 1988, the American Bank Note Company auctioned through Christie's Robson Lowe New York several elaborate collages of proofs featuring the foreign and United States bank notes which they had once printed.

A total of ten frames were sold, but just seven contained a combination of bank notes from select countries and various postage stamps. The others displayed only vignettes and stamps. The seven which contained bank notes and stamps were resold in Sotheby's October 24, 2007, auctioned as "Property from the HSBC Corporate Art Collection." Each frame brought a minimum of $109,000, with the top frame realizing in excess of $300,000 in that sale. It is our understanding that six of the seven were purchased from that sale and donated to the Numismatic Collection of Yale University. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only example that contains bank note proofs from the ABNC archive that is available to collectors.

At the center is a circular engraving of the Peruvian Coat of Arms. Above, "AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY" tails across the entire frame. Below is "NEW YORK." A bust of Washington is located at the bottom center. Around the border are 26 small portraits of Presidents, and others that have been used on various bank notes issued by the American Bank Note Company. "AMERICAN BANK-NOTE COMPANY, NEW YORK." is etched into the gold painted wood frame in large letters at the bottom.

There are a total of 23 bank note proofs, from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Peru, and Nova Scotia. There are 158 stamps proofs from: (16) Buenos Aires 1869 Law stamp essay, (16) Peru 1866-67 20 cent, and (126) Nova Scotia 1860-63 5 cent.

Banknote Highlights include:

Canada. The Ontario Bank, Montreal. $20, (18xx).

Colombia/Panama. (2) Banco de Circulation y Desuento de Perez y Plans. 3 & 5 Pesos, (18xx).

Greece. Bank of Greece. 25 Drachmai, (1863-1867).

Peru. Banco Del Peru. 1000 Pesos, (18xx).

United States. Obsolete Currency. The City Bank of Poughkeepsie. $20, (18xx)

United States. Federal Currency. 1861 $50 Interest Bearing Note.

We encourage participation from the most advanced numismatic collectors as we feel a marvel such as this belongs, and will likely find its place among one of the finer collections of paper money in the world. With the ornate, extra large gold frame, this is a 'stop you in your tracks' museum piece. This particular treasure is without question one of the greatest wonders of Numismatic history we have ever had the privilege of offering.

Condition: Some discoloration and toning is seen from the backing. Some minor repairs are noted around the gold colored frame. Chips are seen around the frame. Minor paper repairs at top left border of the inner portion of the backing, with no notes appearing to have any repairs. Some of the notes show signs of toning due to the backing. Minor water stains at top and bottom backing. Some notes display minor toning. Dimensions: H 69 in. X W 39 in.

Estimated Weight: 75 lbs."

In that auction it realized $108,000. With the current market demand for the best, we expect this to bring in the range of our estimate.

Due to its nature and size, this lot will be available for viewing in our California office only, and the winning bidder will pay actual shipping cost. We encourage interested bidders to contact us for delivery options and cost.

Estimate: $150,000 - $250,000.

Provenance: Provenance: American Bank Note Company of New York archives; Christie's September 1988, lot 441; Sotheby's October 2007, lot 4.