Lee Davis-migration Posted March 6, 2013 Report Share Posted March 6, 2013 I know this is a question that is obvious to many... but I have been out of currency collecting for a long time. The term "mule" is one that I am unfamiliar with, and try to find it in a glossary or dictionary! Thanks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dudley the 1st Posted March 6, 2013 Report Share Posted March 6, 2013 a mule is a coin or medal with obverse or reverse designs not normally seen on the same piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EastCoastCurrency Posted March 6, 2013 Report Share Posted March 6, 2013 In paper currency a mule refers to back plate numbers and front plate numbers that are not the same size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member CHAWK Posted March 6, 2013 Member Report Share Posted March 6, 2013 For currency, EastCoast is correct. A small size mule is a note that has a micro size back plate/check number on one side with a macro back plate/check number on the other side. For Federal Reserve notes, a mule occurs when a back plate/check number appears that was not originally designated for that particular series. This information for Federal Reserve notes can be found in Robert Azpiazu's Collector's Guide to Modern Federal Reserve Notes Series 1963-2009. As for large size mules - they are also affiliated with back plate/check numbers, but instead of a size differential, a large size mule is defined by the location of the back plate/check number. This guide can be found in the 19th edition of Paper Money of the United States by Arthur and Ira Friedberg on page 304. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOBESSI Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 a cross between a horse & a donkey... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...