1902 $5 Plain Back National - Burlington, IA (Charter 1744) (Fr. 601)

Fresh, original paper with plenty of rigidity and clearly evident embossing - the PPQ tag is well deserved. Inks are bold throughout, with deep black text and punchy blue charter numbers and serials that pop against the bright, untoned paper. Margins are nicely proportioned and frame the design well. The reverse shows rich, even green with no discoloration and excellent detail. A single light vertical bend appears under raking light and sets the grade, but the eye appeal is far stronger than most at this level.