After the end of the American Revolutionary War, the U.S. government struck coinage, but did not issue any official paper currency for circulation. This made everyday commerce difficult, as large transactions would be very cumbersome if completed solely with coins. Accordingly, private banks and institutions began to issue banknotes to ease commerce.
These notes are referred to as "Obsolete Currency" because they ceased circulating during the Civil War. Between 1810 and 1865, countless banks, railroads, states, canal companies and private merchants issued currency in many different denominations. Some are very colorful and all are historic: odd denominations include 2 cent, $1.50, $3, $4, etc.
During the Civil War, the various Confederate States issued their own banknotes to circulate alongside Confederate currency. Obsolete currency is some of the most attractive and historically interesting currency produced in this nation. Add some to your collection!
Cincinnati Post Notes. Uncut sheet of 4 notes. $1, $2, $3, $5 notes.
Union Bank of Maryland. Counterfeit. Comment: Stains. A contemporary counterfeit of a rare early Baltimore obsolete. Stains in the upper right are not significant and blend in well.
Proof. Bank of Augusta. Listed in Haxby only as a regular issue for the design. A portrait of George Washington can be seen on the left and a seldom used portrait of Patrick Henry can be seen on the right. Typical PC's can be found along the signature lines. Very attractive.
Hagerstown. Farmers & Millers Bank. Proof. MD235G4P. Quite attractive with strong ink and a bright appearance.
Erie & Kalamazoo Rail-Road Company. Remainder.
Mechanics Bank of Baltimore. Proof. MD100G52P. Vignettes include George Washington dressed in ancient Roman garb in the center, a blacksmith on the left and a ship on the right. Printed on India paper, typical POC.s run across the signature lines.
Bank of Jacksonville. Remainder. Issued by a bank lasting from 1835 until 1838. A group of northern investors revived the name in 1841. Notes with fraudulent signatures soon appeared which included this one. The revival quickly collapsed. Beautiful vignettes, premium paper, and great history!
Hagerstown. Washington County Savings Institution. Counterfeit. Comment: Minor Repair. Light repair near the upper right corner is minor.
Cut Cancelled. Republic of Texas. An attractive example with strong color and solid paper. A typical cut cancel can be easily overlooked.
Republic of Texas. Austin. Cut Cancelled. Light even wear, fully margined, and solid paper. Typical cut cancels. Pleasing eye appeal.
Baltimore. Howard Park Steam Cotton Factory. Comment: Rust Minor Repairs. R-6. Vignettes include a Bust 25c reverse design. Rust spots sprinkle into even wear. Repairs are of little distraction.
Citizens Saving Institution. Baltimore. R-7. Lithography. Stated but unconfirmed to be located in Fell's Point.
Warfieldsburg. Carroll County. R. Nelson. Remainder, R-7. R. Nelson was the owner of a general store and the local agent for Stainburn's Vegetable Extract Anti-Bilious Pills Well centered with only light folding and premium paper.
Jacob Yeakle. Remainder. Comment: Annotations.
Port Deposit. Andrew Kidd. Remainder. Comment: Signature Added, Previously Mounted. R-7. M. Morris signed.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Remainder.
Jacob Yeakle. Remainder.
Columbia Bank. Washington, DC. Mounted on Cardstock. Hole Punch Cancelled. From one of the many fraudulent banks in business in DC from 1852-56. Vignettes include Hebe offering a drink to an eagle, an eagle perched on a federal shield, and Ceres kneeling in a field. The appearance is bright and fresh. Typical POC's lie across the signature lines.
Cumberland. Cumberland Savings Bank. Proof. Attractive vignettes include George Washington, a boat in a canal, and an agricultural scene. The bank operated under this name from 1850-1858. Typical POC's run along the signature lines. Great eye appeal!
Bank of St. Johns. Red and black inks blend with paper that exhibits even wear.