George Washington portrait large die proof, 1860s, engraved by Alfred Sealey

This exquisite Portrait Die Proof on India paper mounted on card features George Washington, meticulously engraved by Alfred Sealey. The portrait is based on the famous Athenaeum painting by Gilbert Stuart, which has served as the definitive likeness of Washington for centuries. Sealey’s masterful rendition, characterized by fine line work and sophisticated shading, was a cornerstone of 19th-century American currency design. This specific engraving gained widespread ubiquity after appearing on the federally issued $1 notes starting in 1869, as well as on high-denomination currency such as the large $20 gold certificates. Surrounded by a delicate wreath of oak and laurel leaves, this die proof represents the peak of intaglio engraving used for security printing during the Civil War era and beyond.

Alfred Sealey was engraving in New York city from 1838 to the 1850s. From 1858-1860 he was affiliated with Sealey & Smith; in the latter year he joined the American Bank Note Co. Sealey was not employed by the BEP, but was contracted by Spencer M. Clark to engrave portraits. Between 1867 and 1868 Clark engaged Sealey to engrave the following portraits for $500 each: George Washington, $1 USN; James Madison, $5000 USN; Henry Clay, $50 USN; Andrew Jackson, $5 USN; Daniel Webster, $10 USN; Zachary Taylor, who appears on US postage and revenue stamps.