In this installment of Notable Notes, we’re surveying not one, not even two, but three incredible pieces that recently came through the PCGS Banknote Grading Room and really knocked our socks off. All three notes are simply spectacular and help capture a small bit of the more unusual treasures that we in the PCGS Banknote Grading Room get to see.
First up? We take a look at a really cool pair of notes with consecutive serial numbers yet very different designs. We’re talking about changeover pairs, which are two notes with consecutive serial numbers that represent two different series or varieties. “It’s when two notes of consecutive serial numbers show two very distinct types of differences relating to the design, signatures, or other obvious elements,” explains PCGS Banknote Manager Philip Thomas. A fascinating pair of Series 1928B and Series 1928E $1 Silver Certificates turned heads in the PCGS Banknote Grading Room, exhibiting two very different signature pairings that actually skipped two series.
“In this case, one note features the signatures of Register of the Treasury W.O. Woods and Treasury Secretary Ogden L. Mills printed in early 1932 through early 1933; the next shows the signatures of William Alexander Julian and Henry Morgenthau, Jr., a pairing that was not utilized until early 1934,” Thomas says. Pairings of Woods-[William Hartman] Woodin and Julian-Woodin signatures were skipped between the two notes. “We see quite the skip here – advancing two series from the earlier note to the next.” Why did this happen? “You can thank the early Bureau of Printing and Engraving (BEP) plate-management protocol, inspired by cost savings.”
Making these two specimens even more special is that they were both very well preserved and seemed to have been folded up together. “They even have matching grades,” Thomas adds of the notes, each of which boasts a grade of Extremely Fine 40 PPQ. “Varieties like this really add a new dimension to banknote collecting,” he remarks.
We now turn the clock back to 1776, the year the 13 original American colonies joined together to endorse the Declaration of Independence. The American Revolution was in full tilt as the “Spirit of '76” filled the hearts of millions throughout the colonies with the patriotic fervor of self-determination and liberty. An infant America was finding its way amid the battle against the British, and the colonies flexed their military might and economic strength. New Jersey, like many colonies, produced its own money, with an early form of paper currency helping to nourish the needs of commerce. Among these notes is this incredible 6 Shillings New Jersey Colonial note with the signature of John Hart, a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress who signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
This note boasts the signature of one of just 10 Declaration of Independence signatories known on all issues of material from the several colonies. What is exceptional about this is the grade of Superb Gem 67PPQ. Well-contrasted, well-preserved multi-colored printings, it appears as though it was cut just yesterday and is one of the finest specimens known. It was printed by Isaac Collins in Burlington, New Jersey.
“When this note came in on consignment, we knew it was a special piece with potential to receive a Superb Gem grade,” says Raiden Honaker, consignment director of currency for Heritage Auctions, which offered the note for sale in its Central States Signature Auction in April 2025. “This 1776 New Jersey 6 Shillings note is undoubtedly one of the freshest and most immaculate Colonials that I have ever handled. With that being said, I knew this was a note fit for a PCGS holder,” he continues. “Not only does it carry an incredible grade, but also great historical significance tied directly to our nation’s founding with the signature of John Hart. Hart’s sharply signed signature, near-perfect margins and centering, and incredible eye appeal make for a truly outstanding Colonial that we were exceptionally pleased to offer.”