What are "Specimen" notes?

Those "Special" Specimen Notes ....

1897 Mexico "Specimen" 10 pesos 58 PPQ  Choice About NEW; Mexico Banco Minero


There may be millions of pieces printed of regular currency; in contrast, only a few Specimens are printed -- making "Specimen" notes exceedingly rare and valuable.
Please notice that the "s" following SPECIMEN note Pick numbers (P#:) refers to the "Specimen" status of this special note.
 
Proudly, Treasuredstocks.com has excellent examples of SPECIMEN Currency notes -- US and Foreign.  Call us at 870-670-4255 or email jeff@treasuredstocks.com  for help and support, as you venture into Currency Note Set collection. 

For more information about this and other collectible coins and currency, please visit our web site at http://www.treasuredstocks.com/or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com

Treasuredstocks.com is an Official Dealer for PCGS and PMG grading institutes.  We are also members of numerous Numismatist organizations including Professional Currency Dealers Association (PCDA) and American Numismatic Association (ANA).

Treasured stocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor.

Numismatist terms and acronyms

Interesting terms and acronyms 

PMG: Paper Money Grading. PMG is an internationally known and respected currency grading company. They have been grading currency notes since 2005. Each graded note is evaluated by a team of grading professionals and assigned a final grade. At that time, the note is placed into a flexible yet semi-rigied plastic holder and heat sealed. 

EPQ: EPQ - Exceptional Paper Quality - is an acronym used by PMG grading for currency notes in their original state. Here is a message from their site: Original means  “that a note has not been physically, chemically, or materially processed to lend the appearance of a higher grade. PMG graders examine the embossing, inks, and overall integrity of each note to make the determination whether it will qualify for EPQ. Notes exhibiting normal wear-and-tear for their respective grades are eligible; normal wear may include factors affecting grade such as counting marks and folds. Notes receiving the EPQ designation must furthermore be unrestored. A note receiving the EPQ designation will have the letters ‘EPQ’ appearing to the right of the grade on the PMG label.”

PCGS: Professional Coin Grading Service. PCGS is an internationally known and respected currency and coin grading company. Since 1985, their expert graders have been Determining the physical condition of a coin or note is critical to the determination of its value. This determination is called ‘grading.’ Once a grade has been determined, the note or coin is heat sealed into a tamper evident plastic holder. 

PPQ: Premium Paper Quality. PPQ is an acronym used by PCGS grading. Here is a note from their site: To distinguish notes that bear all the hallmarks of complete originality and outstanding paper quality for the grade, we will affix a “PPQ” (Premium Paper Quality) designation to the grade (e.g.: “Gem New 65PPQ”). These are notes that bear no visible evidence of restoration and that retain all signs of fully original paper quality, such as paper wave, embossing, and bold ink color and eye appeal. “PPQ” notes should also have above average paper for the grade that is free of defects such as tears, pinholes, or other problems. This system is designed to reward those notes, both circulated and New, that possess premium paper quality and complete originality. 

Mule:

For currency items, the "mule" refers to a designation in conjunction with the Fredberg number which ends with "m". Mule actually is where one currency item has the front and reverse from two different currency issues; thus, a mule note is a bank note made using back plates from a different series of notes. Most have different size plate numbers (front versus back).

Grading numbers from 1 to 70: 70 – Finest; 1 lowest

Pop: Pop is the population or census number of a particular coin or currency item, in that particular grade. The higher the grade combined with the lower population, the more rare and more valuable it is.

UNC: Uncirculated:  This designation refers to a note or coin that has not been circulated. 


Very Fine. A VF grade on a note or coin corresponds to assigned grades of 20-35. It refers to the amount of detail embedded into the item. 

Extremely Fine. An EF grade on a note or coin corresponds to assigned grades ot 40-45. An XF item will show light wear on only the most raised points and can often show mint produced shine. 
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Proudly, Treasuredstocks.com has excellent examples of GRADED Currency notes -- US and Foreign.  Call us at 870-670-4255 or email jeff@treasuredstocks.com  for help and support, as you venture into Currency Note Set collection. 

For more information about this and other collectable coins and currency, please visit our web site at http://www.treasuredstocks.com/or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com

 

Japanese Hansatsu "Bookmark" Currency

Those Amazing Bookmark Notes ...
 

 

1800s Japan Hansatsu, Local Issue "Bookmark" Money, PCGS 40 PPQ Extremely Fine

​Shoguns were military leaders who dominated Japanese society from the 16th century until 1868. During this time, a coin shortage prompted local clans, merchants, and banks to issue paper currency, in a variety of colors and sizes. 

These colorful notes were called Hansatsu or bookmark notes. These long and narrow notes are considered one of the most distinctive Japanese currency ever produced. 

Printed with woodblock’s on high quality paper; Hansatsu was crafted by artisans, who signed an oath of secrecy in blood. Each traditional note reflects a lost art form and shows flora, fauna or mythical figures in true Japanese style. Many also show vermilion validation. 

To see all graded notes  on our site, click this link:

http://www.treasuredstocks.com

Yours for a Safe and Happy Sunday,  

Jeff Smith, President

Email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com

1775 was a VERY good year for America!!

Why collect 1775 Colonial Currency? 

Our early American history -- from a political, social, and certainly economical perspective -- is fascinating. Fortunately, for all currency enthusiasts, this history is exemplified in the first American currency, lovingly referred to as colonial currency. Colonial currency provided financial incentives and means to build America and win the Revolutionary War. 

So many of my colleagues and clients are aggressively collecting Colonial Currency notes dated 1776. This is totally understandable as most of us believe the real birth of our nation took place during that year. Certainly, we are all aware that the US Congress proclaimed the Declaration of Independence – Independence from Great Britain – on July 4^th, 1776.

But what about 1775? Significantly, the first year of the American Revolutionary War was 1775 during which the second Continental Congress acted as a war government and created the US Army (June 14), Navy (October 27), and Marines (November 10). All Americans owe their freedoms to these institutions – institutions established in 1775! 

And what else happened during that critically essential year? Here are just a few of the most significant 

historical events of 1775: 

[ March 23, 1775] Patrick Henry loudly declares, “Give me liberty or give me death” during a speech he made asking for Virginian troops to join the revolutionary war. 

[April 18, 1775] Paul Revere and William Dawes made their famous midnight ride from Charleston to Lexington, warning that the British “regulars” were coming. 

 The shot that was “heard around the world” was fired on April 19, 1775,  the day the American Revolution began and a day later, the British took siege of Boston.

On May 10^th George Washington was named supreme commander. Just 14 days later, John Hancock was elected Continental Congress President

June 14 1775 saw the founding of our US Army Navy and on June 17, the Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) began. 

July 17^th saw the establishment of the first American military hospital and on July 26^th, Ben Franklin founded the United States Post Office. 

On December 3^rd, the first official US flag (Grand Union Flag) was raised aboard the Naval ship USS Alfred. By December 22, the “American” Continental Navy had seven ships. 

Notes produced during the Revolutionary War have seen great interest, with the idea that those notes display powerful patriotic symbolism and may have been placed in the pockets of patriot soldiers as they took arms against the British. So why not collect notes from the first and most important year – 1775? 

Now is the time to invest in colonial currency; affordable prices will NOT last! Large numbers of new currency collectors are reaching retirement age and are “in droves” contributing to higher demand and higher prices.

Proudly, Treasuredstocks.com has excellent examples of Colonial Currency notes from each of the 13 colonies as well as the Continental Congress issues. Call us at 870-670-4255 or email jeff@treasuredstocks.com  for help and support, as you venture into Colonial Note Set collection. 

For more information about this and other collect able coins and currency, please visit our web site at http://www.treasuredstocks.com/or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com

 

A Healthy, Peaceful Veteran's Day to All

America’s Original Currency, 
a tribute to all Americans past and present! 

World War I ended on 11 November 1918 – Veteran's Day and in honor of another GREAT war, the Revolutionary War, all Americans cherish America’s Original Currency.

Our early American history -- from a political, social, and certainly economical perspective -- is fascinating. Fortunately, for all currency enthusiasts, this history is exemplified in the first American currency, lovingly referred to as colonial currency. Colonial currency provided financial incentives and means to build America and win the Revolutionary War. Certainly, colonial currency helped supply our Continental Army and feed and clothe early colonists. 

Colonial Currency notes are unique works of art and demonstrate incredible sophistication in counterfeit prevention, multi-color production techniques, engravings, woodcuts, logos, and political insignias and slogans. From Maryland to Georgia, these diverse currency items were expertly crafted by local artisans, engravers, and printers. Looking at each note, you will touch this history, feel the strength and determination of these early patriots, and wonder at the skill and splendor each note demonstrates. 

Colonial notes are rare, sought-after, desirable but, surprisingly, well within reach of most collectors. Market values placed on these notes are based on condition, demand, and rarity; the original value of the notes is far less significant. For example, regardless of denomination, notes produced by Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere will have greater value due to greater interest and demand. Additionally, notes produced during the Revolutionary War have seen greater interest, with the idea that those notes display powerful patriotic symbolism and may have been placed in the pockets of patriot soldiers as they took arms against the British. 

Colonial currency collectors build collection sets in a number of ways. One common method is to collect a note from each of the original 13 colonies. Similarly, many collectors choose a “favorite” colony and collect samples of each of the emissions and/or denominations. Fortunately, internationally recognized grading services such as PCGS and PMG are now verifying and grading Colonial money. Thus, graded notes carry greater value and notes with higher grades command exceptional prices. 

Though the perception is that these notes are of a premium price, collectors are still able to find and purchase notes from all 13 colonies for a relatively fair price. Collections with all 13 colonies are then passed down from generation-to-generation, as family heirlooms, pride in our country, and outstanding investments.
Therefore, now is the time to invest in colonial currency; affordable prices will NOT last! Large numbers of new currency collectors are reaching retirement age and are “in droves” contributing to higher demand and higher prices.

Proudly, Treasuredstocks.com has excellent examples of Colonial Currency notes from each of the 13 colonies as well as the Continental Congress issues. Call us at 870-670-4255 or email jeff@treasuredstocks.com  for help and support, as you venture into Colonial Note Set collection. 

For more information about this and other collectable coins and currency, please visit our web site at http://www.treasuredstocks.com/or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com

What if Operation Bernhard had worked as planned?

Operation Bernhard - 

A quiet rebellion like no other! 

Creating an economic and financial terrorist attack on the WWII British and allied forces was the mission and purpose of Operation Bernhard  (1942-1945). Though primarily a secret German attack on the British Pound, the US $100 bill was also included in this viscous plot.  

To date, Operation Bernhard produced the most dangerous assault on a financial empire in recorded history. 

 The Operation Bernhard plot was conceived during Germany’s early WWII secret Nazi efforts to destroy Briton’s economic base as well as its financial future. The goal was to mass produce counterfeit Bank of England (BOE) British pounds – £5, £10, £20, £50 denominations – and then flood the UK with the worthless notes causing wide-spread economic inflation and collapse. Named after the plan’s director and operations manager, SS Major Bernhard Kruger, Operation Bernhard  (he named the plot after himself) is considered history’s largest counterfeiting campaign. 

Kruger gathered up an initial expert counterfeit team of 142 Jewish prison camp inmates. He found his victims in Sachsenhausen, Auschwitz, and other concentration camps. (Sachsenhausen was the primary location of this operation.) This counterfeit team of prisoners was forced to engrave the ornate and complicated printing press plates. They also had to develop methods for producing the special rag-based paper and watermarks. Most importantly, these Jewish inmates developed techniques for breaking the BOE code needed in order to generate authentic serial numbers. Thus, these notes are considered some of the most perfect counterfeit notes ever made. 

Fortunately, it was the tenacity and heroism of the people of England that ultimately saved their country from economic ruin. The original plan was to take plane loads of these counterfeit notes and drop them onto the UK countryside. Fortunately, the German Air Force did not have enough planes to effectively complete the mission – their air force was occupied with bombing Great Britain and fighting off the Royal British Air Force pilots and crew. Simultaneously, Operation Bernhard was transferred to the SS foreign intelligence. 

At its peak, about 1 million BOE notes were printed each and every month. As an aside, though $100 bills of US currency were created by Operation Bernhard’s expert counterfeit team, full production was halted on February 22, 1945 and the US $100 printing press destroyed. 

Most, but not all of these counterfeit BOE notes were discovered by divers in 1959, at the bottom of Lake Toplitz. (this Austrian lake was near the final location of the counterfeit team). Tons of notes were dumped there in 1945 by the Nazis, just before surrender. Evidence suggests that some notes “escaped” and were used by the Jewish underground to purchase needed equipment and supplies and to finance Jewish immigration to Israel. Additionally, German SS officers laundered counterfeit notes in Northern Italy and then used them as payment for imported goods, espionage services, and rescue operations. 

Operation Bernhard Bank of England (BOE) notes are increasingly rare, in high demand, and highly collectible. Those from the bottom of Lake Toplitz show significant water damage, caused by over a decade of under-water existence. Others, which entered circulation during and after WWII are occasionally seen in currency auctions and war museums.

If these Operation Bernhard  notes could talk, what would they say of the starvation, hardship, torture, and overwhelming fear endured by their creators? What would they say of the failed German scheme to hit the UK at its financial core?

 Finally, what would these Operation Bernhard counterfeit  notes tell us about the real power of our human spirit? 

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For a look at some highly valued, rare, and collectible currency, visit us at 

http://www.treasuredstocks.com/currency/

We are official members of multiple numismatic-related organizations. Thus, Treasuredstocks.com welcomes any and all questions regarding our coin and currency postings and our passion for collecting coins and currency of all types.

We are here to assist you! Please give us a call at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com

Timeless history of the Russian Empire ...

Russian influence on the world stage and Russian Political intrigue continue to make world news headlines. The Russian culture is steeped in a proud tradition of loyalty and honor. 

Importantly, the Russian Winter Olympics in Sochi --took place during the winter of 2014; therefore, it is of great interest to look at the history of this region, as represented in the Vladikavkaz Railroad Banknotes of 1918. 

History of the Russian Revolution, The Caucasus, and Russian political and social intrigue are represented on this amazingly rare note. 

The note was issued 1 September 1918 with black on light maroon and light blue. There is an underprint of the building on the note's face and the map of the railroad line on  the back.

At the time of issue, the average wage worker in Tsarist Russia 22 rubles  per month

On the back, you will see the  Caucasus map which illustrates the company's main rail road line running from Rostov-on-the-Don to Petrovsk and Baku. This map most certainly adds  interest and appeal to collectors world-wide.  Certainly, the history as represented on this note is significant!

The Russian Revolution saw the whole country disintegrate into regions with armies that were acting autonomously of any government claiming to be in control. The North Caucausus region in southern Russia was no exception to the rule, but while much of the paper money was often issued by civil authorities or the military, this particular note was issued by a commercial concern, in this case the Vladikavkaz Railroad Company.

During 1918 they issued some of the loveliest designed notes into circulation in that region from Rostov-Na-Don and into the Caucausus mountains. 
So here is a bit of history about  the town of Vladikavkaz which is located in the  northern end of the Caucasus Mountains. 
Current population of Vladikavkaz is primarily Russian, Ossetian, Armenian, and Georgian.  
Vladikavkaz was founded in 1784 as a fortress during the Russian conquest of the Caucasian region. For t his region, Vladikavkaz has been the longtime military and polical center of Russia  in this Caucasus region. The name of this town changed many times but in 1990, Vladikavkaz name became its official name.  

VLADIKAVKAZ RAILROAD BANKNOTES - 1918

The City of Vladikavkaz lies at the northern foot of the Caucasus Mountains on the Terek River and is the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia. The city was founded in 1784 as a fortress during the Russian conquest of the Caucasus and was for many years the main military base in the region. In 1875 a railway was built to connect Vladikavkaz to Rostov-on-Don and Baku in Azerbaijan.
A beautifully detailed map of this rail line is featured on the reverse of these notes of 1918.

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For more information and stunning examples of World Paper Money and Russian Notes, visit treasuredstocks.com or call me, Jeff Smith at 870-670-4255

Treasured stocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor. Please contact us at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com

We look forward to serving you.