Without Surcharges on Back. A pleasing example that exhibits strong color with a little black over inking. Bronzing appears fresh and premium paper is bright.

Red Reverse. A lovely note with strong color, premium paper, and well balanced margins on both sides.

Short Thick Key. Well balanced margins with wide borders surround strong inks and generous silk threads.

With Surcharge “18-63”. Vibrant oval bronzing with very balanced margins.

Short, Thick Key. Bust of Robert Walker, Secretary of the Treasury in 1845-1849. An exquisite high grade example with superior color.

Perforated Edges. Without Monogram. Fully perforated and the design is that of 5-Cent stamps used during the period and features the bust of Thomas Jefferson. This fractional variety is presumably the third-scarcest of the sixteen First Issue varieties. Gems are actually quite rare with PMG reporting only 6 finer.

Slate Back. With Surcharge “18-63” and “S”. Bust of George Washington in an oval bronze frame. There are fewer than 30 examples of the Fr. 1286a Slate Back Fractional known. This variety is characterized by a back with no traces of violet or purple color. Well centered with exceptionally sharp bronzing. PMG reports only 3 […]

Red Reverse. With Design Letter “a’ on obverse. Bust of William P. Fessenden. The red reverse is a tougher variety with this denomination and issue. Upper and lower margins are a bit tight, but the note is well balanced with solid color.

Green reverse. Bust of William P. Fessenden, Secretary of the Treasury under President Lincoln. Fully margined with high caliber color and fresh bronzing.