1880 USA $1 Legal Tender Note Fr. 30 PMG 64 EPQ Choice UNC Large Brown Seal Type
Description:
This stunning 1880 $1 Legal Tender Note, cataloged as Fr. 30, is a prized example of America’s post-Civil War paper currency, certified by PMG as Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ. Issued during a period of national monetary stabilization, this note is part of the “Series of 1880” legal tender issues, which continued the use of vibrant designs and large, dramatic seals.
The note features a prominent Large Brown Treasury Seal at right, a key visual identifier of this particular type, which was printed in multiple seal variants across several Friedberg numbers. The engraved portrait of Salmon P. Chase, Lincoln’s Secretary of the Treasury and an advocate for a national banking system, anchors the left side of the note. The intricate red serial numbers, elaborate guilloché patterns, and rich engraving details all contribute to its artistic and historical allure.
PMG has graded this note Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality), indicating that it not only exhibits sharp corners and vibrant inks but also retains its original, unaltered paper surfaces. The margins are generous and balanced—characteristics that are particularly desirable for notes from this series, where off-centered cuts were common.
Collector’s Value:
Legal Tender “Aces” from the 1880 series remain highly desirable due to their early issuance, ornate designs, and variations in seal types and signatures. This Fr. 30 with a Large Brown Seal is especially sought after in uncirculated condition. With its exceptional paper quality and strong eye appeal, this note represents both a historical artifact and a visually captivating addition to any serious U.S. currency collection.
