Stack’s Bowers Galleries will present an extraordinary lineup of U.S. paper money in its Spring 2026 Global Showcase Auction. The firm has assembled three dedicated U.S. Currency sessions that bring together Colonial notes, National Bank rarities, Replacement issues, Emergency Notes, and landmark Gold Certificates.
Collectors should mark March 12 on their calendars. On that day, the firm will host Sessions 5, 6, and 7 at Griffin Studios in Costa Mesa, California, and online at StacksBowers.com.
This sale delivers depth. It also delivers true condition rarities. Most importantly, it offers pieces that advanced collectors rarely see at public auction.
Session 5: Colonial, Obsolete, and the Caine Collection
Session 5 (Part I) opens with a wide selection of collectible U.S. currency. The catalog includes Colonial and Continental issues, Fractional currency, and a strong run of Obsolete notes.
The session draws particular strength from the Caine Collection of Obsolete currency. Several pieces stand out immediately.
A $3 Proof impression on the Bank of Austin (Lot 5120) anchors the group. In addition, collectors will find an issued note from the Bank of Germantown (Lot 5196) that features the famed “White Bear” vignette. Engraver DeWitt Clinton Hay based the design on artwork by Felix O.C. Darley, a detail that enhances both its artistic and historical appeal.
Session 5 also includes a attractive $5 Obsolete note from the Kirtland Safety Society Bank (Lot 5184). The note later received countersignatures and saw reissue in Utah during the late 1840s. That layered history gives the piece cross-market interest among specialists in early banking and Western expansion.
Session 6: National Bank Notes and the Clearwater Collection
Session 6 (Part II) shifts focus to National Bank Notes and type currency. Here, the Clearwater Collection takes center stage with a carefully curated offering of New Jersey Nationals.
Among the most important lots sits a Type 2 $5 from the National Bank of Palisades Park, Charter #14088 (Lot 6073). The note dates to the early 1930s. Crucially, it stands unique for the issuing charter. Moreover, it has never traded in a public setting.
That combination, charter uniqueness and lack of prior public sale, creates a compelling opportunity for advanced National Bank collectors.
The Clearwater Collection also features rarities from seldom-seen Bergen County charters, including locales such as Lodi and Tenafly. These notes provide specialists with a rare chance to secure elusive small-town issues that appear infrequently at auction.
Session 7: Manhattan Beach Collection Headlines Rarities Night
Session 7 (Part III) forms the core of the firm’s Rarities Night catalog. The Manhattan Beach Collection drives the section, and the material reflects generational quality.
The opening lot (Lot 7001) presents the sole finest graded Replacement $1 Legal Tender Note from the Series of 1928. Most examples from this issue entered circulation in Puerto Rico during the late 1940s. However, this note survives at the top of the population.
Another major highlight follows. A Serial Number 1 Replacement $100 Federal Reserve Note (Lot 7028) returns to market after appearing in the landmark John Whitney Walter Collection sale of 2004. Serial number 1 notes always attract attention. When paired with Replacement status, demand intensifies.
The Manhattan Beach Collection also features premium World War II–era Emergency Notes and important Gold Certificates.
A Replacement $20 Hawaii Emergency Note (Lot 7048) stands as the sole finest example graded by PMG. For collectors building a complete WWII Emergency set, this note represents a keystone acquisition.
Equally significant, a Replacement $100 Gold Certificate from the Series of 1928 (Lot 7057) ranks as the only example of its Friedberg number at its grade level with the EPQ designation. In addition, it remains unsurpassed technically at both major grading services.
Additional Session 7 Highlights
Session 7 includes further condition rarities across multiple denominations:
- Lot 7009: Fr. 1609*. 1935A $1 Silver Certificate Star Note (R) Experimental. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.
- Lot 7012: Fr. 1700. 1933 $10 Silver Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.
- Lot 7018: Fr. 1890-G*. 1929 $100 Federal Reserve Bank Star Note, Chicago. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ.
- Lot 7032: Fr. 2201-Gdgs*. 1934 Dark Green Seal $500 Federal Reserve Star Note, Chicago. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ.
- Lot 7041: Fr. 2211-Cdgsm*. 1934 Dark Green Seal $1000 Federal Reserve Star Note, Mule, Philadelphia. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.
- Lot 7056: Fr. 2404*. 1928 $50 Gold Certificate Star Note. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63 EPQ.
- Lot 7058: Fr. 2407. 1928 $500 Gold Certificate. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ.
- Lot 7059: Fr. 2408. 1928 $1000 Gold Certificate. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63 EPQ.
These offerings reinforce the strength of the Rarities Night session. High-grade Star Notes, large-denomination Federal Reserve issues, and elite Gold Certificates converge in a single event.
How to Bid or Consign
Collectors can view the complete Spring 2026 Global Showcase Auction and place pre-sale bids at StacksBowers.com.
Those interested in consigning to an upcoming sale can contact the firm directly at 800-458-4646 or by email at [email protected].
As always, Stack’s Bowers Galleries continues to set the standard in presenting fresh, high-grade, and often unique U.S. paper money to the marketplace. For advanced collectors, March 12 offers more than an auction. It offers opportunity.
There are some great bills in this auction.
That white bear note from Germantown is gorgeous. Great article!
Great currency article. Thanks!
I had a chance to see one of the artist bills once, so beautiful.
I would like one of each please. Good luck on the coin giveaway everybody!