During the Civil War, the U.S. government first issued currency for general circulation. The Union had stopped paying out coins, and needed a way to facilitate trade and finance the war. The people were demanding a currency that was guaranteed good by the government. Accordingly, in 1861 the first Federal currency notes were issued.
Between 1861 and 1928, the U.S. issued currency (we refer to it as "large size" because it was bigger than the currency we now use) in many different types. There were Silver and Gold Certificates, backed by precious metal, Legal Tender Notes authorized by Congress, and Federal Reserve Notes issued under the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, among others.
Many of these notes are colorful and beautiful, featuring gorgeous vignettes of events and people of American history. As few people could afford to save quantities of paper money, these notes are generally quite scarce today. This has remained one of the most active areas of the currency market.
Portrait of Samuel P. Chase. The original greenback design. A full border frames strong color and bright paper.
Portrait of Samuel P. Chase. The original greenback design. A solid note with strong ink and light even wear.
A nearly new early ace that exhibits full well balanced margins, bold inks, and bright paper. Great eye appeal!
A lovely note that exhibits excellent color and bright premium paper. Corners are sharp and eye appeal is great!
Portrait of Samuel P. Chase. The original greenback design. A lovely example with strong ink and bright paper. Wonderful eye appeal.
A beautiful 'Gem' Rainbow Ace that displays excellent blue, green, red, and black inks. The paper is both bright and original. Margins are more than ample and most of the plate number, '11' can be seen in the top margin on the front. Super eye appeal and highly desirable.
A beautiful 'Rainbow' ace that exhibits strong color, pleasing paper, and full margins. Plenty of eye appeal.
Portrait of Daniel Webster, former US Congressman, Senator, and Secretary of State. A simply stunning 'Rainbow' Jackass that earned its name from its beautiful blend of vibrant green, black, and red inks. In addition, notes were printed on specially prepared paper that contained a strip of blue that was to aide in counterfeit detection. This 'Rainbow' was found on notes only issued under the series 1869. Later series were more traditional and not nearly as colorful. This example is framed by bright nearly even margins. The early intricate design reverse is on display. Fantastic eye appeal and an extremely desirable high end 'Gem'!
A beautiful 'Rainbow Woodchopper' that exhibits pleasing centering for the grade, attractive paper, and range of color. Very popular.
A beautiful 'Rainbow Woodchopper' that offers rich multi-color hues that flow across bright premium paper. Margins are full and well balanced. Great eye appeal!
An early Washington ace that exhibits strong color and bright paper. Centering is much nicer than would be expected for the grade.
Series D. A wonderful early ace with solid color, well balanced margins that show a partial plate number at the center bottom, and plenty of remaining brightness. An 'EPQ' designation has been given for this note even though notes at this level seldom receive such a designation. Only 24 notes are known in all grades according to Track & Price with nothing grading finer than a 55 Net at any grading service.
An attractive early Washington ace that exhibits pleasing color and bright premium paper.
A lovely early ace that exhibits nice margins, pleasing color, and a bright appearance.
A wonderful early 'Washington' ace that combines more than ample margins with great color and bright premium paper. Most of the plate number 60 appears at the center bottom.
The only 1878 variety in the 'Jackass' type, this well centered example exhibits strong color and pleasing paper.
An attractive example of this unusual interest bearing obligation currency which found popularity with the general public until the interest stopped in 1907. They were issued in an attempt to give the average citizen opportunities to own government securities in low denominations. There are less than 200 known and high-grade examples are always in demand.
Ample margins frame paper with plenty of brightness and strong color. Most of a plate number, '2' can be seen top center.
A pleasing large brown seal note that offers strong color and a bright appearance.
An attractive brown seal that exhibits ample margins with a partial appearance of plate #104 at the bottom on the front. The strong inks blend nicely with the premium paper.