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 white 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 white bright silk fibers.
Susquehanna Bank, Port Deposit, Maryland 4 note uncut sheet. Nice crisp onion skin paper with multiple vignettes.
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.
Bold color and great paper quality on this scarce 4 note uncut sheet, Commonwealth Bank Philadelphia, American Bank Note Company Proofs.
Scarce 4 note uncut sheet from The Citizens' Bank Of Louisiana. French text with bright overprint.
Citizens Bank of Louisiana, New Orleans., Vignette of Liberty with shield and coins. French text, blue back. Uncut sheet of 4
Uncut sheet of 4 Canal Bank $50 notes, New Orleans Canal & Banking Company. Nice crisp paper with some water staining.
Uncut sheet of 4., Citizens Bank of Louisiana at Shreveport. Gorgeous green & black colors with orange back. Vignette of Maid at well pouring water. A much tougher issue. Upper left corner missing, out side the margins.
A nice crisp original uncut sheet of genuine remainders from the Hagerstown Bank, Maryland. Great color with very attractive vignettes of children and maidens.
A scarce 4 note uncut sheet with 3 $5's and 1 $10, from The Bank Of America, Providence, Rhode Island. Nice and crisp with bright green overprint.
Parish of St. Martin.
City Bank Of New Haven, Connecticut 4 note uncut sheet. Crisp with bright red overprint.
Tougher high denomination with 9 coupons still attached. Great paper body and nice color.
Civil War Era, Virginia Treasury Note. Richmond.