1 dollar 1890
About This Note
This is a Treasury Note from the 1890 series, graded in Fine condition, displaying the characteristic ornate engraving and decorative borders typical of late 19th-century U.S. currency. The note features a bearded, bespectacled portrait in the center-left of the obverse and exhibits visible creasing, fading, and age-related discoloration consistent with circulation over more than a century. The red serial number (A32148212) and green reverse side demonstrate the dual-color printing techniques employed by the Treasury Department during this period.
Common. The 1890 Treasury Note series (Pick P-344) was a substantial production run for its denomination and time period. Notes from this series appear regularly in the market across various condition grades. The serial number A32148212 does not indicate any special variety or low-number collectibility. No evidence of short print runs, recall status, or limited authorized issuance for this Pick number exists. Fine condition examples are readily available to collectors.
The 1890 Treasury Notes represent a distinct class of U.S. currency issued during the administration of President Benjamin Harrison, reflecting the Treasury Department's authority to issue paper money directly. The 'Will Pay in Coin' inscription on the obverse references the gold standard era, when Treasury Notes were explicitly redeemable in precious metal. The ornate engraving work and complex border designs served both aesthetic and security purposes, reflecting evolving anti-counterfeiting measures during the late 19th century.
The obverse features an unidentified bearded gentleman, likely a Treasury official or historical figure prominent in 1890, depicted in profile-facing position wearing spectacles. The portrait is surrounded by ornate scrollwork and rosette patterns forming decorative borders. An eagle emblem appears in the top right corner, symbolizing the United States. Multiple ornamental seal designs and badge-like elements frame the left side. The reverse displays large denomination text 'ONE' centrally, flanked by symmetrical ornamental seal elements in oval cartouches, with geometric patterns and scalloped borders forming an intricate frame design. The overall layout emphasizes security through visual complexity rather than specialized mechanical features.
FRONT SIDE: 'TREASURY NOTE' (primary designation); 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' (issuing authority); 'WILL PAY TO THE BEARER' (payment clause); 'ONE DOLLAR' (denomination); 'IN COIN' (redemption medium); 'SERIES 1890' (issue date); Serial Number: A32148212; 'LEGAL TENDER AS HERETOFORE 1890' (legal status); 'Register of the Treasury' and 'Treasurer of the United States' (authorized signatories); 'D.C.' (Washington, District of Columbia). BACK SIDE: 'ONE DOLLAR' and 'DOLLAR' (denomination emphasis); 'ONE' (large central text); References to face value and payment terms in oval seal cartouches.
Intaglio engraving (also known as steel plate engraving), the standard currency printing method of the era. The fine line work, detailed scrollwork, and complex border patterns are characteristic of Bureau of Engraving and Printing work from the 1890s. Red serial numbers and green reverse printing indicate multi-color intaglio production. The security printer for U.S. Treasury Notes was the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (established 1862).
The observed serial number A32148212 with red ink printing is consistent with standard 1890 Treasury Note production. The Series 1890 designation indicates this note belongs to the primary production run for this design. No overprints, security overprints, or abnormal variety markers are visible. Variation exists in Treasury Note signatures (Register of the Treasury and Treasurer of the United States signatures appear on all notes of this series but vary by signer), though the specific signature varieties cannot be fully determined from the provided analysis. Additional varieties may exist related to plate positions, but these are not evident from the images provided.
