1886 $10 Silver Certificate Fr 291 PCGS Gem Unc 65PPQ

THIS is Not an Every day seen Quality Note...... Tombstone because of the Frame around the Portrait.?

I'd be willing to bet that 99% of Americans have no idea who Thomas Hendricks is, or why he's featured on a $10 Silver Certificate.
Super nice note.

For inquiring minds, Thomas Hendricks was a Democrat who served as governor of Indiana, US congressman, US senator, and Vice President under Grover Cleveland who died unexpectedly in 1885. He was admired by the Republicans for his bipartisan approach on important issues. His reported last words were "Free at last!".

Yes @Morgans Dad, 1886 $10 Dollar silver certificates are often called tombstone notes as a nickname because the portrait of Hendricks appears to be inside a frame which is in the shape of a tombstone. The tombstone design may not be an accident by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing either. Thomas Hendricks died just a few months before his image was used on 1886 $10 Dollar silver certificates as coinfrog mentioned his death in 1885. So the tombstone style may have been an acknowledgement to his recent passing. Hendricks was the acting vice-president of The United States from March 4, 1885 to November 25,1885 when he died in office so certainly can explain finding his portrait shortly thereafter @Steve along with his other prior accomplishments as mentioned.

The Series 1886 Ten Dollar Silver Certificate "Tombstone Note" was ranked 85th most beautiful note in the book 100 Greatest American Currency Notes compiled by Bowers and Sundman. The back designs are cool also showing with intricate geometric patterns covering nearly the entire reverse and nothing like we see today on notes, an example below. Very cool note, thanks for sharing CCFPress, amazing condition.

Beautiful note. Thanks to all for explaining about Thomas Hendricks and the specific features of this note.




I bet its closer to 99.9% - and thanks to the great CCF members you can now count me amongst the informed population.