October 15, 2010
PCGS Currency Continues to Support YN Program
In 2009 25 young numismatists participated in the Young Notables Group at Dutton Elementary School. The 25 3-5th graders were the part of an ongoing after school enrichment program facilitated by Frank Renberg, a Society of Paper Money Collectors member who shares his knowledge with the next generation of collectors. In 2009, Lyn Knight graciously agreed to auction some of the student’s paper money designs in an effort to raise money for materials to support future Young Notables classes.
Because of the generous bids, totaling more than $3,000(!) placed for these notes in the Fall PCDA auction and the continued support of the PCGS Currency message boards, the members of the Young Notables were able to receive Freidberg books, mylar holders, catalogs, silver certificates, world notes, legal tender notes, obsolete currency, MPC, and more. The class has grown from 12 students to 25 in large part because of the wonderful support of last year’s auction.
Mr. Renberg plans to begin the 2010 class of Young Notables starting in November. He and all of his student’s wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who have made this class possible.
This year the auction saw a total of 10 notes submitted from the Young Notables class. Prices were strong and bids were competitive realizing $2900 in all. PCGS Currency would like to those who participated and continue to support this important program.
Below are the notes that were featured in this year's auction
Donut Land, One Donut Certificate. The motto on this note says it all—“In Sprinkles We Trust.” One of the donuts has a bite taken out of it, but fortunately PCGS Currency didn’t give an “Apparent” grade for that. Perfect for the policeman on patrol or the Krispy Kreme fan.
PCGS Currency Very Choice New 64PPQ. Realized $250
Helium, Banana Republic Balloon Dollars. This multicolored $7 “Balloon Dollars” note is artistically rendered and features a face portrait of “Mr. Balloon” and a back design of a house—presumably from this fanciful land of paradise.
PCGS Currency Choice New 63PPQ. Realized $250
$25 Hawaii Pineapple Certificate. Palm trees, pineapples, and a volcano—and of course sunshine—are all depicted on this tropical note. Pineapples as legal tender is a fascinating idea…maybe someone should tell Ben Bernanke about this one.
PCGS Currency Choice New 63PPQ. Realized $300
$2 San Francisco, United States of America. This realistic Deuce features a portrait of a presidential-looking figure on the face and a representation of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back. I’m certain that John Trumbull would be proud.
PCGS Currency Very Choice New 64PPQ. Realized $250
Official Bean Money. Last year’s “Sergeant Green Bean” note was one of the most popular among bidders. This year, he’s been promoted to “1st General.” The motto “Liberty—Be Free” is displayed at the top face border.
PCGS Currency Superb Gem New 67PPQ. Realized $300
$1 US Turtle Dollar. This vibrantly colored note features an artful vignette of a green turtle at center and an American flag at the bottom right. Presumably payable for postage from the U.S.P.S., although obviously not for Express or Priority service.
PCGS Currency Choice New 63PPQ. Realized $225
Twenty “Surfin’ Bird Bucks.” This note, from the “United States of Umahoa,” features the “Surfin’ Bird” at center. The bird is labeled “Papa Ohmamapaw,” perhaps making him a distant relative of Chief Oncpapa on the 1899 $5 Silver Certficates.
PCGS Currency New 62. Realized $275
Five American Chicken Dollars. While the aviary specimen featured at the center of this note appears to be fit for future consumption at Gus’s in Memphis, it is no worse than the eagle on the reverse of the Flowing Hair silver coins from the 1790s. Artfully rendered with an American Flag design in the background.
PCGS Currency Gem New 66PPQ. Realized $400
Island of Xaxalzot “Van Zaggont Certificate.” A wonderfully creative note with an artful design that features a venus flytrap-type plant catching a phallic-shaped missile in midflight. The back is equally as interesting, with a six-legged wide-mouthed creature and a palm(?) tree. Lots of fun can be had examining this note—and it’s serial number “44” for one person who matters.
PCGS Currency Choice About New 58PPQ. Realized $400
Inverted Star. This wonderful rarity is a serial number 1 star—and the star is inverted! The White House has been magically transported to a tropical paradise on the face, while the back features a representation of the Washington Monument transported to similar scenery.
PCGS Currency Very Choice New 64. Realized $250
Images courtesy of Lyn Knight Auctions.