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Description

Hessler Plate Note - One of Three Known

Fr. UNL Hessler USE6 $5 1862 Legal Tender Face Essay PCGS Banknote Extremely Fine 40 Details.
An avantgarde design for the times prepared by an unknown artist. This is the plate note on page 26 of Hessler's second edition. Other owners through the years are Harry E. Jones and The Caine Collection. The vignette is open to different interpretations, but Hessler suggests that the male in French attire at left is offering the Louisiana Purchase to America as portrayed by the Native American female at right. At center is a bust of Washington in front of an eagle. Behind them is Loyalty, Liberty, Mercury, Peace, Agriculture, and Justice or Mechanics depending on the instrument in her hand. It is printed on India paper with as made ink smears. Two other Face Essays of this design are known, but mounted on card. The example in this lot has been severed and reattached with small tape repairs. Nonetheless, an engrossing design that never got beyond the design stage.


Estimate: $6,000 - up.

Auction Info

Proxy Bidding Ends 
January
16th Friday 4:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
January
13th-16th Tuesday-Friday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining 
19 Days 1h 19m 54s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
Lot Tracking Activity: 11
Page Views: 102

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
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This lot is in: 5 - Heritage Signature® Auctions Floor Session - Platinum Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 22001-22277) - 5:00 PM Central Time, Friday, January 16, 2026.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]

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Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261

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Starting Bid:
$3,000
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