Lot 3206
1880, $20 Silver Certificate. . Fr-311. . KL-581. CGC Extremely Fine 40. The Steven Decatur $20 silver certificate is beautifully centered on both sides. It has all of its full original color, and to separate it from the Gem New grade, the very lightest of folds. This handsome piece, which was offered in May of 2005, sold for $20,700 with the buyer's premium. With just under 130 examples known, virtually none are high grade. One of the few reported Uncirculated pieces sold for over $61,000 a few years ago!
Born in 1779 to a prominent Philadelphia family, Stephen Decatur was reared in the traditions of the sea. Upon the establishment of the Navy in 1798, the youthful Decatur embarked as a midshipman aboard the new frigate, United States. Decatur learned fast; after he donned his uniform it took him only one year to be commissioned Lieutenant. Decatur's first real act of heroism came in 1804 during the Barbary Wars in the Mediterranean. Under cover of darkness, Decatur led a group of sailors into Tripoli Harbor and seized control of the recently captured U.S. frigate, Philadelphia. Decatur ordered his men to set fire to the vessel and then fight the crew in hand-to-hand combat. Thus, the Philadelphia could never be used by the Tripolitans against the Americans.
After this "most bold and daring act of the age," Decatur was promoted to captain. In 1812, Captain Decatur and his men captured the ship the Macedonia and brought her back to the safe shores of the United States. Again, Decatur's exploits were celebrated around the world.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,500.
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