| Description |
Newark, NJ - Newark Whaling, Sealing & Manufacturing Co. 37-1/2 Cents Oct. 25, 1837 Wait 1545. PCGS Fine 12. This occupationally titled issuer has justifiably been popular with all currency collectors. The theme of whaling & sealing is unusual, and the vignettes fit remarkably well on the small format size. The notes themselves were actually 1% interest bearing, and since they were emitted in the tumultuous late 1830s, notes held too long by the public were likely not redeemed. This was a three-denomination series with 12-1/2 cents, 25 cents, and 37-1/2 cents, presumably on a six-position copper plate (observed are A and B plate position notes of each) engraved with the imprint of C. P. Harrison N. York. At top center is a whaling vignette, unique and custom made for the series, adapted from William Page's 1835 painting, Capturing of a Sperm Whale, and popular on period color-tinted prints (type of Brewington-2 as listed in Kendall Whaling Museum Prints, 1969, Kendall Whaling Museum, Sharon, Massachusetts). Small, but powerful, the vignette captures the surge of the sea and the frightened faces of the oarsmen as the whale is harpooned. Flanking the whaling scene are an eagle and wharf goods. At the upper left is a galleon. The right end has a vertical trio of Spanish Colonial real coin reverses that circulated in the period (when silver money was not hoarded as it was in 1837). This is one of the more interesting topical scrip notes, combining whaling, coin vignettes and odd-denomination themes. In superior grade, and this type note from the series is generally full all around. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20164, realized $1140. |
