Summers in Summer
Sat Jul 23, 2005 13:34 EST (UTC -5)Today I received something unexpected in the mail. That's always fun, isn't it?
On December 27, 2004, I sent out requests for autographs of former Treasurers and Secretaries of the Treasury. The idea was that I would have them sign dollar bills that have their signatures already printed on them; these are called courtesy autographs by collectors.
After a month or two, there were a few I still hadn't gotten back, but I gave up. Around this time my interest in courtesy autographs, and currency collecting in general, waned. But today, as if it simply got lost for seven months, was another bill back.
This one was from Lawrence H. Summers, who is currently the President of Harvard University. (He made headlines about six months ago for making sexist comments.)
So, what took him so long? Here is the body of the accompanying letter, written by one of his henchmen and dated July 20, 2005:
I should save that letter. It's the last I'm ever going to get from Harvard.
The bill itself is stuck in another envelope for the time being. Inspired by the feeling of getting a courtesy autograph in the mail, I'm set to finish the job I started in December. This time I'm sending out bills (such as the one I got today) to other signers, in order to attain coveted double courtesy autographs. I'll also be sending out some $2 bills (of all 3 recent Series: 1976, 1995, and 2003) to the Treasurers whose signatures appear on them.
And hopefully it won't take seven months this time!
While we're on the subject, I'll answer this Ask Jordon question.
Alext: I have a misprinted 1dollar bill. The Fed Reserve stamp is printed on top of the pyramid the Dept of Treasury stamp is on top of the eagle. worth?
Your error -- third print on reverse -- is one of the most striking errors on paper money. You're lucky to have it. (For those not in the know, here's what such an error looks like.) Anyway, a bill is only worth as much as what someone will pay for it. I'd say an error like that on a bill in good condition would be worth hundreds of dollars. As always, I should note that dealers buy low to sell high; if you intend to sell the bill, you may do better with an interested collector.
Wikipedia has a list of people known as the father or mother of something. There's more than you think.
. 
6 comments
#1 by John Fryar: Wed Feb 22, 2006 00:23 EST (UTC -5)
Hello,
I have been working on trying to collect courtesy autographs from US Treasurers and Secretaries of the Treasury. Most I have gotten from Ebay but there are plenty I cannot find. What are your thoughts on places to look. Thanks... John
#2 by Jordon: Wed Feb 22, 2006 05:52 EST (UTC -5)
It might be easier to find the former Treasurers and Secretaries of the Treasury who are now board members of corporations, etc. Many of them still have a relatively high profile, so you can just look them up with your favorite search engine.
#3 by Paul Britt: Sat Mar 04, 2006 05:18 EST (UTC -5)
Hello Jordan! I was searching the internet again today looking for new "courtesy autograph" hits, and once again your site was one of the first to pop up. Someone recently posted a question asking for help locating some courtesy autographed notes, well you helped me a couple of years ago, so feel free to pass on my email address to anyone with future queries and I will be happy to try and help them. My address list has grown considerably since we last corresponded and I have a couple of paper dealers with large inventories of GEM notes, so let your readers know I would be happy to assist them. Thanks again for keeping the courtesy autograph section on your blog and helping to promote interest in our hobby.
#4 by Paul Britt: Sat Mar 04, 2006 05:25 EST (UTC -5)
I forgot to include my email address in the last post about courtesy autographed notes. Anyone wanting to know more or needing assistance locating former Secretaries or Treasurers just send me an email to britt1976@gmail.com or check out my eBay auctions (seller id: currency-collector). Thanks again for everything Jordan!
#5 by Don Roberts: Fri Jul 06, 2007 11:57 EST (UTC -5)
I have a large quantity of autographed currency from not only the Sec. of the Treasury and the Treasurer but also a few Vice-Presidents.
You may post my email address.
#6 by Don Roberts: Fri Jul 06, 2007 17:02 EST (UTC -5)
My email is: Don@thedonrob.com