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!
PROOF, Newton, The Sussex Bank. Has the typical hole punch cancellations. Pedigree to the American Bank Note archives.
PROOF, Newton, The Sussex Bank. Has the typical hole punch cancellations. PCGS uses the apparent term for small repaired tears. Pedigree to the American Bank Note archives.
The Farmers Bank Of Bucks County Hulme Ville, Pennsylvania 4 note uncut sheet. Crisp paper with bright silk fibers.
Cincinnati Post Notes. Uncut sheet of 4 notes. $1, $2, $3, $5 notes
Cincinnati Post Notes. Uncut sheet of 4 notes. $1, $2, $3, $5 notes.
The Farmers Bank Of Bucks County Hulme Ville, Pennsylvania 3 note uncut sheet. Crisp paper with bright silk fibers.
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.
Susquehanna Bank, Port Deposit, Maryland 4 note uncut sheet. Nice crisp onion skin paper with multiple vignettes.
Republic of Texas. Austin. Cut Cancelled. Light even wear and solid paper. Typical cut cancels fail to distract and eye appeal is pleasing.
Republic of Texas. Austin. Cut Cancelled. Light even wear and solid paper. A couple of cut cancels are as typically found and blend in well. Very desirable and sure to please.
Uncut sheet of 3. Erie and Kalamazoo Rail-Road Company. Toledo, Michigan. Unlisted in the Haxby. Small upper right corner fold, outside the margins.
Commercial Bank of Wilmington. A pleasing odd-denomination issue with a large orange-brown protector and attractive allegorical vignettes.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Remainder.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Remainder.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Remainder.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Remainder.
Darlington, MD. Uncut sheet of 6 notes. Remainders from T.W.& B. Silver, Jr. The issuers were proprietors of a general store. Values include 5c/6 1/4c/10c/12 1/2c/25c/50c.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Remainder.
Bold color and great paper quality on this scarce 4 note uncut sheet, Commonwealth Bank Philadelphia, American Bank Note Company Proofs.
Mount Vernon Bank. Attractive vignettes include a farrier and horses in the center, along with a standing woman and a ladies portrait on the other side. A desirable odd denomination that exhibits strong color, bright paper, and bold signatures.