The Alphabetical Series Imprints of the Series of 1875 Legal Tender Notes

Even though many Legal Tender Notes from the 1870s can be acquired with relative ease thanks to numerous high-grade runs, collectors are faced with some difficulty should they wish to represent certain Friedberg Number for the Series of 1875.

First issued after the resignation of Treasurer Francis E. Spinner who resigned following an internal disagreement at the Treasury Department, the earliest notes issued under the Series of 1875 all feature the Allison – New signature combination which is well-represented at all grade levels especially for lower denominations.

Yet on some Legal Tender Notes issued under this series, the signature combination takes a backseat to another feature, especially when it comes to the $1s and $2s. Some Allison – New Legal Tender Notes feature alphabetical indicators that accompany the series imprint. The $1s are the most numerous in terms of variety, with five distinct imprints where roughly a few dozen pieces are recorded for each; the “D” imprint stands as the rarest of those issued with barely more than 20 known.

A similar phenomenon is encountered with the $2s which can feature a “Series A” or “Series B” imprint. Together these record fewer than 75 pieces overall. When offered they bring a sizable premium compared to their non-alphabetical counterparts as illustrated by a mid-grade Fr. 21. 1875 $1 (Series A) Legal Tender Note which sold for $5,280 as part of our November 2025 Showcase Auction (lot 7056).

For the $5s and $10s the numismatic calculus is not nearly as clearcut. The “Series A” imprint is the key for the $5s and is worth a substantial premium compared to “Series B” pieces which outnumber the non-alphabetical pieces by a considerable margin. For the $10s, the imprint departs from the norm set by lower denominations where it was seemingly changed for every run of one million notes. As a result the “Series A” $10s are notably easier to find than their non-alphabetical counterparts, but this distinction is muddied by the fact that all Series of 1875 $10 Legal Tender Notes are rare regardless.

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