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!
Remainder. Norfolk Bank. A wonderful fully framed note that exhibits strong red and black inks and original paper. A vignette on the left portrays cattle being driven. Attractive and eye appealing.
Remainder. Tallahassee Rail Road Company. Vivid green and black inks blend with premium paper. Vignettes include a panoramic train scene, an anchor, and a woman with a bonnet.
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.
Susquehanna Bank. Port Deposit, Maryland. Men in Rowboats with Riverboat and Sail Ships. MD-280-G16. Shank 102.11.11.
Susquehanna Bank. Port Deposit. MD-280-G12. Shank 102.11.8. Maid seated with spool of yarn.
Susquehanna Bank. Port Deposit. MD-280-G14. Shank 102.11.10. Maid pouring water for eagle.
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.
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.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Shank 32.2.3.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Shank 32.2.4.
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.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Shank 32.2.5.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Shank 32.2.1.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Shank 32.2.6.
Darlington Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Shank 32.2.2.
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.
Bank of St. Johns. A cotton plant is the central vignette. Attractive red and black ink with solid paper.
Canal Bank, New Orleans. LA-105-G60a. River Boat "Etiwan" at docks. Slaves loading cotton.