1850s Connecticut Norfolk Bank $20 PMG 66 EPQ Remainder Note Gem Uncirculated

1850s Connecticut Norfolk Bank $20 PMG 66 EPQ Remainder Note Gem Uncirculated

This exquisite $20 Remainder Note from the Norfolk Bank of Connecticut, dating to the 1850s, exemplifies the artistic and technical mastery of America’s pre–Civil War private banknote era. Certified PMG 66 EPQ (Gem Uncirculated), it stands among the finest surviving examples of obsolete U.S. currency, preserved with its full color, sharp detail, and Exceptional Paper Quality designation.

The central vignette features a dynamic scene of two galloping horses, flanking the Connecticut state seal adorned with the motto Qui Transtulit Sustinet (“He Who Transplanted Still Sustains”). Behind them stands a stately domed building—symbolizing progress, stability, and civic pride—while the foreground’s intricate lines convey the energy of motion and freedom. The note’s vibrant red-orange underprint and detailed guilloche patterns create a bold contrast to the black intaglio printing, reflecting the elaborate anti-counterfeiting methods of the time.

As a remainder issue, this note was printed but never circulated or signed, intended for archival or presentation use. Produced by the celebrated Danforth, Wright & Co. engraving firm of New York and Philadelphia, it represents a time when private banks relied on engravers to craft visually stunning notes that inspired confidence and admiration in their communities.

Collector’s Value:
A magnificent piece of 19th-century American numismatic history, this Norfolk Bank $20 note combines historical artistry, rarity, and superb preservation. Its Gem Uncirculated condition and vivid design make it a prized acquisition for collectors of obsolete banknotes, early American engravings, or Connecticut financial history.