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Auction: 322 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 81

Extraordinary Autographed Letter Concerning Civil War Counterfeiting, Signed by Spinner.
Spinner, Francis Elias: 1802-1890. ALS, Washington, March 31, 1864.
On Treasury of the United States, Washington, D.C. letterhead. Written to Robert Earley, Esquire, Deputy Sheriff, Evansville, Indiana. 7 ¾" x 9 ¼".

"Sir: The one hundred dollar Counterfeit U. S. Note is herewith returned you. - It is a very dangerous affair, and I hope you will be able to arrest the fellows who are engaged in the issuing of them. Very respectfully yours F. E. Spinner Tr. U.S."

Spinner was Treasurer of the United States from 1861 to 1875. His likeness appeared on the 50 Cent Fractional Currency notes, and his signature, which appeared on much of the United States paper money during the Civil War was perhaps the most widely recognizable autograph in America for decades. Spinner was the first to suggest the employment of women in government offices.

Also included is a counterfeit 1862 $100 Legal Tender, Fine, punch cancelled. The $100 note is dated March 10, 1862, has the National Bank Note Company imprint, and has "SERIES 1" at right (no genuine 1863 $100 Legal Tender notes were issued with a SERIES 1 designation. While there is no way to be absolutely certain that the note mounted in this frame is the note referred to in the letter, the odds are highly probable.
A genuine Third Issue 50 Cent Fractional Note, Uncirculated, and bearing the likeness of Spinner, is mounted above the autographed letter. All three items are tipped into transparent plastic corner mounts. Professionally matted and framed. 13" x 23".

Sold for
$11,500