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Lot #61
Harry S. Truman Signed Currency and Photograph

'The buck stops here'—rare signed silver certificate presented by President Truman to his Secretary of the Treasury

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Estimate: $5000+
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Description

'The buck stops here'—rare signed silver certificate presented by President Truman to his Secretary of the Treasury

Impressive display of items from the estate of John W. Snyder, highlighted by an uncirculated Series 1935C silver certificate, engraved with the signatures of United States Treasurer W. A. Julian and Secretary of the Treasury John W. Snyder, signed in black ink on the portrait side by Truman and presented to Snyder; and a color 6 x 4.5 informal photo of Truman and Snyder in old age with an uncut sheet of $1 bills, signed on the mount in blue ballpoint by Truman. Also includes an official White House envelope addressed in Truman's hand, "Sec. of Treas, Personal"; a facsimile copy of Truman's nomination of Snyder to be be Secretary of the Treasury; and an official copy of the Senate's confirmation of the appointment, signed by Secretary Leslie L. Biffle. All items are cloth-matted and framed along with a small plaque and replica sign of Truman's saying, "The buck stops here," to an overall size of 25 x 33. In fine condition. Provenance: the Estate of John W. Snyder.

On June 25, 1946, John Snyder was sworn in as Secretary of the Treasury by his personal friend, President Harry S. Truman, with whom he had served in World War I. When his new aides surprised him with a gift of twelve crisp one-dollar bills engraved with his signature, the new secretary expressed his amazement with reporters, saying, 'I didn't know the Treasury worked so fast!' Printed by the Bureau of Engraving between his June 11th confirmation and his swearing in two weeks later, the Series 1935C bills marked the start of his challenging new position, in which he would work diligently to establish a stable postwar economy. Any currency signed by Truman is exceedingly rare, this being the first we have offered; with the additional interest of Snyder's important place in his Cabinet and the collection of personal items relating the two, this is an exceptional piece.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Revolutionary War
  • Dates: #612 - Ended July 14, 2021