Just received my BEP Allegory PEACE Intaglio Print (1 of 3) from the 2013 Intaglio Print Subscription Program “Ideals In Allegory” series. It's well done but I prefer genuine ABNCo allegories Looks like I'm an ABNCo snob and proud of it. Mike
I'm looking forward to your comments, gsalexan. I don't know if these were printed from original plates or repos or whatever. "First Day of Sale: April 19, 2013 (8:00 A.M. ET) - The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is pleased to introduce its 2013 Intaglio Print Subscription Program, “Ideals in Allegory.” This year’s commemorative program is dedicated to female allegorical figures representing peace, justice, and liberty. This collection features an exquisite compilation of unique engraved allegorical vignettes focusing on the age-old art of intaglio printing. The first card, Peace, will be released on June 3, 2013. The second card, Justice, will be released on July 8, 2013. The third and final card, Liberty, will be released on August 13, 2013, in conjunction with the BEP’s participation at the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money in Rosemont, Illinois"
I've been looking at these for a while and wondering if I should have ordered some. How do they look up close?
Me, too! Looks great, imho. Much better than some of the previous years. I believe that the top two vignettes were printed from the original plates; the large one below looks like it was enlarged from a smaller version. And hey, Mike, check the information card that comes with it -- the top left IS an ABNC vignette! It appeared on two $10 Interest Bearing Notes from the 1860s, when the Treasury was still contracting with private bank note companies to print U.S. currency. I'll post an example (not in my personal collection, except in my dreams). ABNC ultimately had to turn over the plates for all the federal securities they printed -- it's pretty cool to know they're still in the BEP vault after 150 years.
I like them too, but I would have preferred the subscription programme as opposed to buying the prints individually at the higher price.
I hesitated before typing my comments about this BEP issue. I'm feeling like a malcontent. The top left vignette has washed out highlights that are clearly visible on the example gsalexan posted. I wonder if the paper used in currency allows for more detailed printing then the "harder/thinner" paper used by the BEP issue? gsalexan states the bottom center vignette appears to be an enlarged vignette. I agree. gsalexan, I checked the envelope the BEP issue came in then read the card for the first time. I gotten hours of enjoyment viewing your seemingly unlimited supply of ABNCo images and learned a lot by reading your postings about ABNCo history and techniques. Thanks, Mike "I've been looking at these for a while and wondering if I should have ordered some. How do they look up close?" They look good. This issue is one of three. I think I saved around nine bucks by ordering the set. http://www.moneyfactorystore.gov/2013intaglioprintsubscriptionprogramidealsinallegory.aspx
I think this is more of an inking issue on an old plate. If they were using an original printing plate, it's likely to be worn from previous use and the engraving simply can't hold as much ink, giving it a washed out appearance. The vignette on the currency was printed when the plate was new and the grooves were deeper. Thanks for the compliment on my ABNC posts, Mike. There aren't many folks who appreciate this field of collecting but I enjoy playing show and tell for those who do. I've been at it for 30+ years and it's always more interesting when you can share your knowledge and encourage other like-minded collectors. We used to have a Security Engravers Group that actively posted informative presentations -- were you part of that? It kind of lost momentum a couple years back when some of the key members bowed out, but I'd love to see some new presentations if anyone wants to regroup. Greg
I was a part of that group, but with me it has been sort of changing priorities - I still have all of my collection and am really really slowly adding to it - but I lost all interest in having it online and sharing it for various reasons. For one, I decided to let my website and domain lapse because I am getting antsy about sharing so much of my collection. Time has been another factor, there is always less time to do all the imaging and research.
Greg, the washed highlights explanation makes a lot of sense. Yes, I'm a member of the Security Engravers Group. A couple of years ago, Krispy asked me to prepare a presentation. I had recently retired, was traveling a lot and had rediscovered an old hobby - radio controlled airplanes. No time to do a presentation to the group.l Last winter I read A Greater Journey by McCullough. He gave quite a bit of ink to augustus saint-gaudens, designer of the twenty dollar gold eagle. What an amazing life story of a great artist. When I can carve out the time I'll do a presentation on him to the group. Recently discovered some coins are missing. What a pain. Never managed to complete that inventory.
