Macerated Currency
Rare President McKinley Macerated Currency Portrait
Macerated United States Currency Bank Notes, Rare Design Type of President William McKinley (1843-1901) Portrait Displayed on Card, Extremely Fine.
William McKinley (January 29, 1843 " September 14, 1901) was the 25th President of the United States from March 4, 1897 until his Assassination in September 1901, six months into his second term. This c. 1900 High-relief Profile Portrait of William McKinley, made of Macerated Currency mounted on black card stock that has been cut into an oval shape. Appears to have been possibly removed from a frame at some point. William McKinley's Portrait measures 4" x 6", and overall to 6.5" x 8.5". Its original Treasury tag has been mostly removed. Card stock has a scarce ribbon with ring, meant to hang the Portrait on a wall mounted to the back. Minor soiling and wear to the high points yet very rare that is also a Politically interesting Presidential item meant for display! Very Rare.
Between the mid 1870s to 1928, worn and mutilated United States Currency Banknotes were returned to the Treasury Department where they were reduced to paper pulp and made into Souvenirs for sale to the public. By the 1890s, the pulp was sold to various contractors such as the National Currency Souvenir Co., where it was used to create souvenir busts of prominent Americans, historical images and replicas of various national monuments.