Obsolete Currency

“Obsolete” currency was used from the early 1800’s to the Civil War / Reconstruction era before the US Government demonetized them and began printing US Federal currency. One of the main attractions is the wonderful and intricate artwork, called “vignettes” which depict images from everyday life to allegorical figures of “Liberty”, “Justice” etc. This currency was mostly issued by banks, but was also issued by insurance companies, railroads, individual States, canal  building corporations, etc. Obsolete notes were about 50% larger than our current paper money, usually printed on only one side unless otherwise noted (Uniface). “Issued” notes were hand cut, hand signed and dated. “Unissued” notes were printed but never used and don’t have any hand written signatures or dates. The date of printing is usually known however, and we designate them “Circa 1850’s” etc. All notes are housed in a protective archival sleeve.