I have a friend of mine sending me one of these notes. I know the Lincoln portholes are rare, and yesterday when I looked on ebay they ranged from 250.00- to one that was 12 thousand! He is sending it to me because he knows I collect and he wants to sell it. Would it be a good idea to get this particular note graded? He told me the note looks brand new except there is one fold in the middle. I'll post pics of it when I receive it. Do you think Heritage Auctions would be a better route to go? His girlfriend received it as a tip at work and when he showed it to me, I nearly fell on the floor. I'd be grateful for any suggestions. Thanks.
Wow. I hope your friend has put it safely in a holder and is mailing it with some insurance. Good luck! Dave
I love the look of this note....I can't wait to see a picture of it. If it is as nice as described, grading it would be advisable.
I'd most definitely get it looked at to guarantee that its not a fake. Grading would probably be the best way to do that. Then decide how to go about selling it.
She works at a small grocery store in Tennessee. She helped an elderly couple carry their groceries to their car. They gave it to her as a tip. She thought it was fake since she never saw a note like that, then she gave it to her boyfriend. When I was in Tennessee he brought it to me to look at. I told him he might have a small fortune and to put it away. If he ever thought of selling it to talk to me first. He and I worked together when I was TN for a short time.
For those who are curious, like I was: Here is what a Lincoln "porthole" note looks like. This particular one sold for $2500.
If you receive this note folded, DO NOT try to flatten the crease with any force, and do not try to iron it or do any other agressive pressing or damaging type of adjustments to the note. I would advise sending the note to PMG or possibly PCGS Currency for grading. If you (or your friend) are selling the note, you could submit it to Heritage Auctions and they may opt to have the note graded (certified). DO post a scan of both sides of the note when you get the note. Photos are not good for seeing all of the details on notes, so a scan will work best. When scanning, place a dark sheet of paper behind the note to help define all the margins. Also, do not place the note on the edge of the scanner as it may not capture all edges of the note if it's too close to the side of the scanner.
Wow. That's some tip. I agree with krispy's advice. If you do want to sell it, Heritage is a good choice.
