FR 167a $100 1863 Legal Tender PMG 35

This “Spread Eagle” note possesses one of the most iconic and dramatic depictions of our national bird found on U.S. paper money. Issued as the Series of 1862 and 1863, this Civil War note is one of the first $100 bills issued for general circulation.  This classic design has long been regarded as one of the great numismatic rarities and as such has been an object of desire for most collectors of United States paper money.  According to the census, there are only 22 examples known for this Friedberg number with 5 permanently impounded in museums.  With several $100 Spread Eagles in Fine condition or worse, one would be hard pressed to find a Spread Eagle that faces up better than this near perfect example.  With exceptional eye appeal, color and a remarkably bold Eagle for the grade, it is a small miracle that such early piece of United States paper money has retained much of its original glory and splendor.  As a matter of fact, PMG was so enthralled by this example, this note lacks what so many other Spread Eagle notes possess…negative comments from the grading service (such as restoration, pinholes, repairs, etc). 

Those in the pursuit of rare currency know there are some designs where a wholesome example simply does not exist or are incredibly hard to find.  Given how rare and collectible these notes are, we can understand why this heraldic Spread Eagle is one of America’s most popular notes extant.