Printers’ samples increase options - Numismatic News

Printers’ samples increase options

Bank Note Reporter Staff

By Neil Shafer

Printers’ samples take a number of forms. Among those more often seen are bank note-like pieces approximating a piece of paper money, usually with a design incorporating some well-known historical
figure or scene.

The Homer Lee Bank Note Company, founded in New York City by inventor Homer Lee in 1891, issued this advertising piece with vignettes of Lady Liberty and an eagle in and around 1885,
according to the author.

At times, especially during the 19th century, various printers have created elaborate full-size sheets that contain a large number of vignettes in rows. Such sheets often date from the mid-1800s, sometimes
later. Long-defunct security printers have left us these magnificent examples of their great skill during those earlier years when printers were becoming so highly sophisticated.

Another advertising piece with a note of historical relevance, by American Bank Note Company, is represented in this piece displaying the story behind the legendary Aztec Calendar Stone. The
stone appeared on the One peso issued by Mexico between 1935 and 1972.

One of these printers’ sample sheets was reprinted in a limited edition by J. Roy Pennell, well-known collector years ago from South Carolina. It measures 20 x 20 inches square and has no less than 125
individual vignettes, guilloches and ornamental sections in 11 irregular rows - quite an impressive display. Its title was Specimens of Bank Note Engraving, and the original printer was the New Orleans
office of Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and Edson. RWH&E was one of the seven producers of banknotes that merged in 1858 to create the American Bank Note Company organization that stayed in business
from then to the later 1980s. (According to one Internet source, the American Bank Note Company was founded in 1795 as Murray, Draper, Fairman ad Company with headquarters in Philadelphia.)

Thomas De La Rue and Company printed this example recognizing the voyage of Columbus. It shows the ship and the explorer on the face, while Columbus landing and appropriate text are on
the back.

As a matter of fact, American Bank Note Company has produced such a wealth of sample printings that a detailed study of just these products alone would be a wonderful project. Any display that would
result from such research would easily be a prizewinner at any major convention, so magnificent are these examples.

English security printer Harrisons is represented in this issue that was used as a promotional advertising piece for the fourth Maastrict Paper money convention in 1990. The portrait is
unidentified.

As I have studied these various pieces, I have become intrigued by the names of the printers because they often show the progression in development of those that eventually become the truly dominant
security printers. One can obtain samples from places like Homer Lee, the old National, Columbian, Western, and others who have been absorbed into larger entities and present these items in a truly
spectacular and meaningful display.

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 Printers’ samples increase options - Numismatic News

This specimen is an example of a Hungarian note produced in Budapest in 1973. The text is Hungarian, and the richness of the brown tone aids in creating a striking profile of an unidentified
subject.

Another aspect of collecting printers’ pieces has to do with their appearance and style. These samples are often typical of their times, meaning that they represent a particular span of years even though
they may not bear a year date.

One of the most iconic images of boxing champion Mohammed Ali appears on this advertising sample for Marathon created by Crane and Company. In addition, Crane and Company is the firm
that supplies the Bureau of Engraving and Printing with special paper for U.S. currency.

I have always written that advertising pieces like these are obliquely related to propaganda issues in that they attempt to sway a prospective customer in much the same way, whether it be from a more
genteel perspective through advertising or the more direct and forceful method employed by wartime propaganda. The single purpose of having manufactured such items is to make the viewer believe what
is written on the piece. Competition is keen, and the samples are full of the most appealing kinds of colors, vignettes and overall appearance that strongly beckon the holder to its way of thinking.

This example of a printers’ sample of an information sheet for use by the International Bank Note Society was produced in 1988. Not only is the piece exciting for what it is but for the company
that produced it, Tumba Bruk. The Swedish firm, established in 1775, is the oldest bank note printing factory in existence.

The deeper I have examined this collecting field, the more I have become impressed with the size and breadth of the whole area. Literally hundreds of collectible examples exist, and a good many appear to
be relatively available through private sales and auctions. Often, the more exotic pieces bring hundreds of dollars if not more, but a wide variety of the more modern examples can be found at more modest
outlays.

In recognition of its 25th anniversary in operation, the Banco de Mexico produced this example in 1994. The portrait is unidentified.

In fact, I would say that a well-rounded and representative collection could be formed in a relatively short time and with very reasonable total cost.

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 Printers’ samples increase options - Numismatic News

The American Bank Note Company produced this Specimen Bank Note featuring George Washington front and center sometime between 1920 and 1930. The front view in all its glory is all
there is, as there is no back design.

This article was originally printed in Bank Note Reporter. >> Subscribe today.

More Collecting Resources

• Order the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, General Issues to learn about circulating paper money from 14th century China to the mid 20th century.

• When it comes to specialized world paper money issues, nothing can top the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Specialized Issues.

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