Columbus in His Study: The Renaissance Portrait Vignette That Graced Reconstruction-Era US Currency
In the 1870s, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing placed a striking vignette of Christopher Columbus poring over navigational charts onto several denominations of federal currency, blending Renaissance iconography with post-Civil War national ambition. Understanding this vignette unlocks a fascinating chapter of American numismatic art history and helps collectors identify some of the most visually compelling notes of the era.
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