Aquidneck Bank $5
1850s Proof. Durand UNL, Haxby RI-140 G6P pp A, Bowers W-RI-490-005-G030
“This is an extremely rare proof, not represented in the ABNCo Archives holdings. Some sources indicate that two examples of this design are known at present. The design features reverses of silver dollars (a design never issued) and Spanish 8 Reales coins as well as a large vignette of the steamer Perry.”
The side-wheel ferry vignette featured here is also found on Providence’s Bank of the Republic $3 note, which was issued from about 1853 to about 1856. Engraved by Wellstood, Hanks, Hay & Whiting, New York, which existed from 1852 to 1855.
Though bearing some resemblance, the Perry here is not the USS Commodore Perry which was commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1861, though this ship was likely also named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a famous Rhode Island naval hero.
Ex Coll. Charles R. Pease, Jr.
Ex Memphis Auction #272 (R. M. Smythe & Co., July 5-7, 2007, lot 1485)
Ex The Wellstood Album Collection
The Newport Tower, one of the town’s iconic landmarks that still stands today.
Ornate 5 with waterfall and Native Americans.
The side-wheel steamer Perry. Bower states the town in the background at left is Newport.