In this feature, we hear from Jon Felz, an expert appraiser from RZM Fine Arts & Antiques, who provides valuable insights on evaluating prized possessions. Have something you're curious about having appraised? Reach out to Jon for a chance to have your items featured in a future "Ask the Appraiser" column.
Note to Appraiser:
Thank you for writing this much-anticipated column. It is quite enjoyable, not to mention informative to read. The photos I've sent off to you are of what we believe was a five-dollar bill that my mother may have overlooked when she sold off my deceased father's collection of antique American money.
My father was a long-time collector of paper money and had assembled quite a collection over many years. After my mom died last year, we emptied her safe-deposit box, and this was found in an old yellow envelope. The envelope was marked; 'SAVE!" As I mentioned earlier, we thought my father's entire collection had been sold off over 15 years ago.
As you can see by the pictures I've sent, this bill is in mint condition, still tight or crisp, as they say. Can you please send us some information about its value? A little history relative to this item would be greatly appreciated as well. We might even consider selling it off, as none of our children want it. Looking forward to your response.
-Susan B.
Appraisal Response:
You are in possession of a Beautiful Series of 1899 "Horse Blanket" Five Dollar Silver Certificate Note. Right off the bat, please allow me to tell you about the powerful engraving of Running Antelope, Chief of the Oncpapa Lakota Sioux Indians. This was the first and only time a Native American image was used as the central design on any United States currency.
Please notice the central vignette of Running Antelope is highlighted by the bright, vibrant blue seal and a large "V" denoting the note's denomination. When this particular note was issued, it did cause some controversy because the headdress Running Antelope is pictured wearing was for a Pawnee Indian chief. The Pawnee Indians were mortal enemies of the Oncpapa Indians. Apparently, the engravers at the United States Mint were not aware that the Lakota and Pawnee Indians were enemies. A bit of research shows the correct headdress would have been too tall for the engraving plate, so that was the reason the incorrect headdress was used.
Your five-dollar note is one of my favorite pieces of US currency and one of the most popular currency notes of all time. Maybe, just maybe, this might have been the reason your mother decided not to sell this particular item with the rest of the collection. This note is the perfect blend of United States history, with beautiful artwork from the period, to form an interesting American artifact.
After examining this note, I agree with you as to its condition. The note appears crisp, clean and damage free, with nice square corners. Still maintaining wonderful vibrant colors throughout. No staining or dirt noted. Certainly, a high-grade example.
As I frequently mention in this column, it should be professionally certified and graded by a third-party grading company. It is the only means that will enable this item to realize its full potential when being offered for sale. If this note grades in the excellent uncirculated condition category, and I'm sure it will, the current value for a note of this quality is $3,500 USD. This value is based on past auction results.
A note of this quality should only be sold through an auction house that specializes in rare United States currency in order for it to realize its full potential. I can supply you with the names of the two best auctions in this field that I use on a regular basis. Thank you for sharing such an important item with us.
Jon Felz - Senior Appraiser
RZM Fine Arts & Antiques, Inc.
Address: 132 Dexter Avenue, Pearl River, NY
Phone: 845-735-1313
Email: rzmantique@aol.com