1875 "Lazy Deuce" $2 Two-Dollar U.S. Large Size National Bank Note - The Mercantile National Bank of Salem, Massachusetts (PMG 8)NET

Grade: PMG 8 (Very Good) NET

Year: Series 1875

Denomination: $2 Two Dollars

Bank: The Mercantile National Bank of Salem, Massachusetts

Charter Number: #691

Fr. Number: #392

Signature Type: Pen - Allison / Gilfillan

Except for the last few years of issue, all of the National Bank Notes were large-sized.

Through much of their earlier history of issue, national banknotes used designs in which the issuing bank's name was prominently displayed, rather than "The United States Of America". One design used for many years featured a portrait on the obverse, near the left edge, and the bank's name printed in prominent shaded type in the middle. The historical figures seen on these notes usually were different from those on the same denominations of paper currency today.

Large-size notes bore two serial numbers. The Treasury serial number indicated the total number of notes of that series and denomination issued by all banks. The bank serial number indicated the number of notes of that series and denomination issued only by that bank. Large size notes also bore four signatures. Two signatures were those of the Register of the Treasury and Treasurer of the United States and were printed as part of the note's design. The other two signatures were those of the bank's cashier and president, and were individually signed by those officers prior to issuing the note. Notes were sent to the bank by the Treasury and typically signed as uncut sheets, so that the top edge of some notes show the lower part of a signature (such as the descender of a "y" or "j") from the note above it. Notes were often cut apart with scissors, so that the top and bottom edges of notes can be uneven and cut into the borders of the design.

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.