1886 $2 Hancock Silver Certificate...serial Number 2

Yes. The mark you see after the 2 isn't a 1, it's merely decoration.

You probably made a good decision to go that route to maximize return. You are getting it in front of the big money players and all it takes is for two of them to want it. Grade-wise, I'm guessing HA sent it off to PCGS after some minor conservation efforts and look for it to come back high AU or low UNC. (58 to 62 with a PQ paper designation would just be icing on the cake!)

It is an exciting note and it should do very well for you.

It's out of my league price-wise, but I will be watching it keenly.

Congrats!

I've seen minor folds and wrinkles magically "disappear". The subject of grade inflation through "conservation efforts" is well known in the paper money community. At least with notes being serial numbered, it's a little bit easier to keep up with the "doctoring" that goes on.

Has HA assigned a lot number to it? I can't find the note in their auction listings.

AU55 with a PPQ designation is pretty good. Just from the "look" I think I said 58 to 62, so I wasn't too far off!

Thanks for the updates.

AU and a PPQ -- super! AU55 seems very accurate for this note judging by your description of the light fold and light handling.

PCGS description for AU55: "A note in this grade will appear New at first glance, but will have a bent corner or light vertical center fold that will keep it from an uncirculated grade. Two light vertical bends are acceptable for this grade, as long as the surface of the paper is not broken. More than one light fold or a heavy fold or crease will drop the note into a lower grade."

PMG description for AU55: "Two light vertical folds or a single fold with handling, but a nice original note."

http://www.pcgscurrency.com/g_scale.html
http://www.pmgnotes.com/grading/grading-scale.aspx

Edit to add: Please keep us updated on how this note does at auction!

Nice! Hasn't even opened for bidding yet and has plenty of page views. It should do well.

Any idea where the number one note happens to be? If the Treasury has it, then your note would be the lowest serial numbered note from this series/signature combination available. People bid stupid money for that kinda stuff.

Thanks for bringing it here first! I hope we helped you! Good luck!

Looks very nice in that holder. Good luck!