Hi! I was in Barnes and Nobel today, while my better half was in Ulta, and started leafing through a book dedicated to US small sized currency (possibly the Standard Guide). Anyway, under the 1928 $2 legal tenders they listed blocks (in this instance, it was the AA and BA block for the 1928b series), labeled low (A86398443A) and high (A99679829A). What is the significance of these numbers? I wanted to read the table of contents and find out what these numbers meant, but I was rushed and had to leave. Anyone know the answer? All feedback appreciated. I may have to pick up a copy, it had wonderful pictures and much more info on small sized currency that the Red Book. Thanks!!
In the 1928 series, they're the lowest and highest serial numbers that have been reported to the authors of the book. Back then, the series transitions weren't sharp. When the BEP started to print 1928B notes, there would be a period when they were using both new 1928B printing plates and old 1928A printing plates at the same time. So notes of both series would end up mixed together in serial number sequence, until eventually all the old 1928A plates wore out. So the highest number printed for Series 1928A will be *above* the lowest number printed for Series 1928B. And in general the BEP didn't worry about recording the last serial number printed in each series (when the last old-series plate finally wore out), so all the reference guides can do is report the highest serial that's been seen. Starting in the '50s or '60s, we've generally got official BEP records of lowest/highest serials printed for each series, and the books usually list those instead of giving the lowest/highest serials observed.
Thanks Numbers! I was a little confused at first because I have a 1928b with a serial number much higher than they have listed for the 1928b AA block.
The authors/editors often solicit feedback from collectors to determine these ranges. You can usually find an email address either near the beginning or the end of the book, if you would like to submit your note. It will then be forever immortalized in print... until someone finds a higher serial number.
I would recommend this book by Scott Lindquist http://books.google.com/books/about/Standard_Guide_to_Small_Size_U_S_Paper_M.html?id=E-m0VOFboFcC Primarily because this book is the best guide to identify mule notes ive found. After reading and using it, i discovered over half of my collection which on face value looks worthless is a type of error. (even heritage told me they were spenders meaning spend them and dont save them, nobody checks plate numbers for you) The fellow is quite full of himself, as i approached him early on in my quest for knowledge on bills, and somehow my collection size/quality insulted him, but the point of that was dont pay him for auction representation, heritage charges 15%, dont pay someone an additional 5% when heritage auctions start at 60% of market value, that could leave you with receiving 50% of the value of your bills. The best method to extract value is learn and become part of the community, it is aging and dying, and every collector I have reached out to to learn has opened their knowledge to me, except the top names like lindquist and mark ferguson for coins. They extract value from your unwillingness to do the research.
On a positive note, I would recommend Manning Garret, if you have graded your bills and done your research, as any businessman he expects to make a premium, but of all the dealers ive spoken to in my yr and a half in this market, he gave me the best prices, they may seem a bit low compared to heritage realized results, but you must account for 17.5% buyers premium, and 15% sellers commission, so finding private collectors or entrepreneurs is in my opinion the best way to transact in both the paper money and coin market, I found 1 paper money dealer who was fair, and 1 coin dealer, and we all ended up satisfied with the transactions and still keep in contact.
On rare occasions, something unique pops up. A 1928 - Plain serial numbered in the 1928-B Range. The Face & Back were printed in 1929 yet the note sat in an unused stockpile as part of a half sheet of six until Mid-1933 when it was serialled amidst the 1928-B series notes. Ironically, I first noticed the serial numbers as unusual as a 1928 - Plain in unknown to have more than one late typeset "A"s (low crossbar) and this one has all four. I then looked to Schwartz & Lindquist 10th for the reported & official Serial number ranges. The highest 1928 - Plain reported was A 57019459 A and this one is A 96520744 A. With the help of Numbers and Peter Huntoon, we were able to pin down the print dates, etc. based on the plate numbers. An unusual find.
Fascinating info guys. Not sure if my bills are worth selling Square but if I decide to I know where to go. Thanks again.
