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10 dollars 1922

America › North America › United States of America
P-2741922Treasury of the United StatesF
10 dollars 1922 from United States of America, P-274 (1922) — image 1
10 dollars 1922 from United States of America, P-274 (1922) — image 2

About This Note

This is a 1922 U.S. $10 Gold Certificate (Pick P-274) in Fine condition, displaying the characteristic orange/gold printing and beige background typical of the series. The note features a formal portrait of Michael Hillegas centered in an ornate oval frame, surrounded by elaborate scrollwork, architectural details, and decorative corner elements. The observed creasing, light foxing, yellowed patina, and general circulation wear are consistent with its age and fully appropriate for the assigned Fine grade.

Rarity

Common. The 1922 $10 Gold Certificate series had substantial print runs, and surviving examples remain readily available in the collector market in grades from Fine to Very Fine. These notes were widely circulated and are frequently encountered in collections and dealer inventories. The Fine grade observed here represents normal wear for a 1922-dated note that saw commercial circulation.

Historical Context

This Gold Certificate from 1922 represents the final series of U.S. $10 Gold Certificates, issued during the post-World War I period when gold certificates remained in circulation as legal tender redeemable in gold coin. The portrait of Michael Hillegas, the first Treasurer of the United States, connects the note to early American financial history, while the elaborate engraving and security features reflect the Treasury's commitment to preventing counterfeiting during an era when such decorative banknotes were still standard.

Design

The obverse features a formal portrait of Michael Hillegas (1729-1804), the first Treasurer of the United States under the Continental Congress, rendered in black ink within an ornate oval medallion. The portrait is flanked by shield or crest designs and surrounded by elaborate scrollwork, floral motifs, and architectural ornamentation typical of 1920s banknote design. Roman numeral X denominators appear in decorative circles at the bottom corners. The reverse is primarily ornamental, dominated by large ornate corner medallions containing geometric and floral patterns, a central shield bearing an eagle motif, and intricate border scrollwork with vine and laurel designs throughout. All decorative elements are rendered in the distinctive orange/gold coloring characteristic of this series.

Inscriptions

FRONT SIDE: 'United States of America' (header), 'Series of 1922' (date designation), 'Gold' (certificate type), 'Ten Dollars in Gold Coin' (denomination and redemption promise), 'Payable to the Bearer on Demand' (legal obligation), 'This Certifies that There Have Been Deposited in the Treasury of the United States...' (certificate language), 'This Certificate is a Legal Tender in the Amount Thereof in Payment of All Debts and Dues Public and Private. Acts of March 14, 1900, as Amended and December 24, 1919.' (legal authority), 'Michael Hillegas' (portrait identification), 'H17457785' (serial number, repeated), 'E' (Federal Reserve Bank indicator), 'Frank White' (Treasurer signature), 'Treasurer of the United States' (signatory title). BACK SIDE: 'Gold Certificate' (certificate type), 'The United States of America' (national designation), 'Ten Dollars' (denomination).

Printing Technique

Steel engraving (intaglio) on cotton-linen currency paper, printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The fine line engraving, intricate scrollwork, complex border patterns, and elaborate security details visible throughout both sides are characteristic of the advanced intaglio techniques employed by the BEP during this period. The dual-color printing (orange/gold and black on beige background) was achieved through multiple pass printing, a standard BEP method for enhanced security and aesthetic appeal.

Varieties

This specimen is identified as Series of 1922 with the signature of Frank White as Treasurer. The Federal Reserve Bank letter 'E' indicates Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond issuance. Serial number H17457785 is consistent with the H-series prefix used for notes from this Federal Reserve Bank. No significant varieties have been documented for this particular signature combination and series that would distinguish this note from the standard 1922 issue.