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!
ABNCo. Proof.
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.
Bank of Pensacola. April 3, 1840. A central vignette features Archimedes lifting the world with a lever. Solid black ink and strong signatures rest upon pleasing paper with little wear.
Susquehanna Bank, Port Deposit, Maryland 4 note uncut sheet. Nice crisp onion skin paper with multiple vignettes.
Republic of Texas. Austin. Cut Cancelled. A super note that exhibits strong color, full margins, and premium paper. Two typical cut cancels are present but difficult to see without close inspection. Great eye appeal for the grade!
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.
Uncut sheet of 3. Erie and Kalamazoo Rail-Road Company. Toledo, Michigan. Unlisted in the Haxby. Upper right corner fold.
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 Maryland. T.W. & B. Silver Jr. General Store. Remainder.
Bank of St. Johns. Red and black inks blend with paper that exhibits even wear.
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, some water staining.
Providence, Rhode Island. Bank of America. Remainder.