A selection of obsolete currency, also called broken bank notes, as the banks failed (went broke) or merged, or sometimes, became national banks. All of our notes are genuine; we offer no reproductions nor any "improved" notes. Please scroll down, click on image to view larger size. Alphabetic by state. Some foreign, some depression scrip, some MPC, some U.S., etc. Please inquire about price, this is a rising market and it is difficult to keep changing this page. We believe you will find our prices to be quite reasonable. Send want list and/or questions: Email CandJ
If you collect paper money, you would enjoy a membership in the Society of Paper
Money Collectors. You will get six
copies of a magazine similar to the latest issue as shown above. For more
information about them go to www.spmc.org and
check them out! Tell 'em Murphy sent ya.
Tenth Edition of Robert Friedberg's "Paper Money of the United
States". Ex-lib quite nice condition. ebay 3/18
Here is a cute little item, not strictly speaking is it currency. But it
does fall into the advertising, looks like money, category. It says on the
front, "This Auction Scrip Redeemed at Astor Theatre - Colonial" and
there is a profile resembling Lincoln in the center. Across the bottom
"Save Your Auction Scrip FREE Ask Your Dealer". In the bottom
margin "Copyright 1933 Auction Scrip Co.". Resembling money with
ornate scrolls, etc. On the other side, there is an advertising for
Greenblatt's Market Grocery; Delicatessen and Fine Kosher Meats", 1815 So.
Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. We wish we could tell you more, but we are
guessing that they had auctions at the theaters and remember, depression glass
was often obtained in this fashion. On what we are calling the back of the
note you are told to "save your Auction Scrip; many valuable items can be
secured with Auction Scrip; Various goods will be sold to the highest bidder for
Auction Scrip; Auction Nite". So, and "advertising note"
from the depression era, is what we finally call this. $20
Here is a neat little advertising note, typical of the time, and advertising the
Sixth Annual Interstate Coin Club, Inc.'s show in September of 1964.
AU $10 We find these little advertising pieces, even the older ones,
strangely under- appreciated by the internet buyers, much of the time.
They seem to be snapped up by the older, more savvy collectors. $10
A Perry Davis & Son. one cent note from the bottle label of Perry Davis
Painkiller. Mr. Davis cleverly incorporated this one cent currency note in
his printed label, so if his medicine was counterfeited the label necessarily
would also be counterfeited and become counterfeit currency bringing in the
Secret Service to prosecute the malefactors. Very interesting in
combination with a Victorian trade card showing a bottle of his medicine borne
by six cherubs; the world below with his motto "Joy to the World"
which is also on the ribbon in the eagle's beak. Condition of note XF.
Please inquire.
Alabama - A 50 cent note from the State of Alabama. This note is dated at
Montgomery January 1 1863. It says the State of Alabama Will pay to Bearer
in Confederate States Treasury Notes, when presented at the State Treasury in
sums of Twenty Dollars and upwards. Second series. Printed signature
of governor. Criswell 4. CU.
State
of Georgia Criswell 8 ten dollar February 1 1863. Red treasury seal.
Ceres standing at left; State Arms in rattlesnake frame center; ten on medallion
heads left and right; Ceres right. XF-AU crisp paper.
A $50 State of Georgia obsolete bank note. Dated 1862, this is Criswell
#2. It is a beautiful CU note of the early days of the War Between the
States (sometimes referred to as the Civil War). There are two portraits
on this note of then Governor Jos. Brown. Other vignettes are Ceres
center, Justice at left and right; over printed with the black Georgia state
treasury seal.
GA: A fifty cent note on the Mechanics Bank. It is dated Jan'y 1, 1862, at
Augusta, Ga. Due to the shortage of paper caused by the blockade, older
bank note paper was used; known as "recycled notes". This 50
cent note was printed on the back of $5 Merchants' Bank of Macon.
Condition Very Fine.
A $5 note on the Mechanics Bank of Augusta, Ga. with bank stamp of Cochran's
Mobile Exchange. Cochran was the agent in Mobile, Alabama, representing
the Mechanic's Bank, which was one of the larger banks in Georgia. It was
located at 153 Broad Street. They had agencies in GA, NC, FL, AL, and
TN. Condition VG CC. Small nick at left from hammer
cancel.
GA: Manufacturers & Mechanics Bank of Columbus, Georgia, 1854.
Center shows cherub rolling silver dollar; eagle and shield left; female leaning
on one pillar at right; red overprint ONE. This
is a well used example of a scarce note. Upper rt. corner tip.
Condition Good.
GA: An extremely rare note, the Military Fund of Calhoun Co. at Morgan,
Georgia, Oct. 1, 1862. Can be considered a "find" despite
its condition.
This
is a beautiful proof bill of exchange "original" of the Branch Bank of
Kentucky at Frankfort. There is a steamboat upper left, primitive train
lower center, unidentified male lower right. Engraved and printed by
Danforth, Spencer & Huffy, New York. Beneath the signature line it
gives the printer's name again, with Philadelphia.
KY: Frankfort Bank A crisp uncirculated, unissued remainder, this is
a $5 note from the 1830's period. Engraved and printed by Tanner, Kearny,
& Tibout. Central vignette depicts shepherdess with crook, sheep and
rocks in background; panels left and right containing "Five" and
"Kentucky". The paper contains red fibers which were an
anti-counterfeiting device. Very attractive. Full borders.
NH: A most unusual three cent from Concord, New Hampshire. It is
dated July 1st., 1864, and is printed in three colors - green, red and
black. The back is plain. The note is gem uncirculated. Satiny
green finish background was a protective device. ebay soon
NJ:
A one dollar note issued June 15 1837, by the Phenix Manufacturing Co. of
Trenton, New Jersey. It was payable from the Phenix Mfg. Co. in
Philadelphia. The entire note is printed in blue. Condition Very
Fine, with a right center water stain. Depicts phoenix rising from flames
upper left, very attractive.
NY: A twenty-five cent note. Un-issued. Depicts Chinaman
w/baskets atop a pile of tea chests, the top one of which is labeled Young
Hyson. Printed in red and blue on white paper. CU and pretty.
NY:
A ten cent scrip note issued by George Merrill, Leather Dealer of Rome, New
York. Condition AU. Dated 1862 and payable at the Rome Exchange
Bank. Depicts arms of New York center; female Indian at left. The
printer of this note was Lewis & Goodwin, Albany, New York. A lovely
note which is actually an error with a printing crease down the center, through
the vignette.
NY:
A very interesting note printed on cardboard. It was issued by Sims &
Speas, on November 10, 1862, and was payable at the Randall Bank, Cortland, New
York. Condition AU. 10 overprint in red/brown. The Randall Bank was
the discoverer of the Randall Hoard, which consisted of a whole keg of large
cents, dated 1816-1820. soon to ebay; email if interested.
NC:
A very pretty 50 cent note dated 1862, issued by the State of North
Carolina. There is a ship under full sail center, floral panel at right,
with denomination, etc. Signed by Samuel G. Murphy. Uncirculated.
STATE OF GEORGIA TREASURY NOTES, TREASURY CERTIFICATES & BONDS, by W. Mack
Martin & Ken Latimer. First Edition 2005. This just published
book on Georgia notes and bonds has every note and bond illustrated in
color. It covers the signers of the notes, details of the vignettes used,
and gives the number of each note issued as well as rarity today. Recorded
here are many previously unlisted varieties, including errors. Each bond
is pictured and rated as to rarity. Also covered are the acts
authorizing the note issues. All in all, this is a great and very
informative book and a real must for the Georgia collector. Spiral bound;
95 pp. Autographed by one of the authors, W. Mack Martin. $35
plus postage.
From time to time, under "Postcards" we will be featuring some banks, including national banks. Also, when we have them, we offer bank "Stereo Views". See our section for Stereoviews, please. For more books about paper money please look at our book section under Numismatic. Thanks for looking.
UNITED STATES CURRENCY:
A red seal star note, series 1953 C. The note is signed by Granahan &
Dillon and is well centered front and back. We call this a Very
Fine. SOLD
A series 1929 Federal Reserve Bank Note printed with national currency
plates. Chicago District. Signed by Jones & Woods. Also
Ass't Deputy Governor and Governor of the Federal Reserve District. We
call the condition Fine. SOLD
FRACTIONAL CURRENCY (U.S.)
A
ten cent postage currency from the first issue of fractional currency.
Straight edges. Engraved by the National Bank Note Co. Center
vignette is same as the ten cent stamp of that era with 10 10 on die overlapping
image; gray/black back. Condition XF or better.
MILITARY PAYMENT CERTIFICATES
MPC
Pick M 1 Series 461. This five cent note was in use 9/16/46 through
10/3/47. We call this an Extra Fine w small stain as seen in
scan.
MPC Pick M 10 A 25 cent note, issued in 1946, just after World War
II. It is series 461, from position 54 of the sheet. This note is in
XF condition. Pick 2001 catalog value is $20 VF, $225 Unc - you decide
what condition this one may be.
Pick M25 This Military Payment Certificate is Series 481, 50 cent
denomination. It was in use from 6-20-51 to 5-25-54. This is a nice
VF note. The catalog value in the 2000 Pick is $10.
Military Payment Certificate A 5 cent note Series 521 This note is Uncirculated;
catalog value in 2000 Pick shows M29 is $25. No doubt it is higher now.
MPC Pick M-31 This is a choice uncirculated 25 cent note, series
521. This is from position one of the plate. Well centered front and
back. This is a scarce note especially in this condition.
A 50 cent Military Payment Certificate or MPC Series 521. Pick M32.
Condition Very Good and attractive for grade.
MPC Pick M33 A one dollar note Series 521 in Very Fine condition. In an
older Krause catalog the value was $18; no doubt it has increased.
MPC P-M33 A $1 note which is series 521, position 56 on the sheet.
This is an attractive VF or slightly better.
MPC Pick M 36 A five cent note, series 541. A choice note, AU-UNC.
MPC Pick M-37 A ten cent note, series 541. Very attractive. AU
- UNC.
Pick M43 A pretty little note, Series 591, sheet position 41. This
grades better than Very Fine.
MPC: Series 591 Pick M45 A 25 cent note in VF condition;
uncommon.
MPC Pick M54 A $1 note, Series 611, position 62. Condition Fine to
Very Fine.
MPC Pick M57 This is a gorgeous five cent note, series 641, position 28
on the sheet.
MPC Pick M58 A ten cent note, very pretty, this is series 641, sheet
position 28. Cute serial number: J02233111J.
MPC P-M59 An Extra Fine, Series 641, 25 cent note. The sheet
position is 32.
MPC P-M60 A beautiful 50 cent note, Series 641, position 71, in Extra
Fine or better condition.
MPC P-M61 A one dollar note, Series 641, position 66. This note is
Very Fine condition.
MPC P-M64 A beautiful bright five cent note, Series 661, position
68. Condition CU, choice.
A
ten cent note, Military Payment Certificate, Series 661. In use from
10-21-1968 through 8-11-1969. A nice un-circulated note and catalog value
is $10 in a previous catalog. Pick M 65
MPC,
Series 661. This is Pick M67. In use 10/21/68 to 8/11/69.
Condition CU.
MPC P-M68 A one dollar note with a pretty mountain scene on the
back. This is Series 661, position 28 on the sheet. Condition CU - some small
spots, detracts little.
MPC P-M72e This one dollar note is the most affordable note from this scarcer
series, Series 651, in use 1969-73. Very Fine condition. Position 23
on the sheet.
MPC P-M75 A five cent note, Series 681, position 57 on the sheet. Condition
CU. Submarine face, astronaut space walking reverse. In use 1969-70.
MPC P-M76 A ten cent note, Series 681, position 83 on the sheet. Condition AU-UNC.
In use 1969-70.
MPC P-M77 A 25 cent note, Series 681, position 64. Condition
VF. In use 1969-70.
MPC P-M79 A $1 note, Series 681, position 04. Condition Very Fine,
some faded spots; depicts four jet fighters on back. In use 1969-70.
MPC
P-M 81 This is a ten dollar note which was in use 8/11/69 to
10/7/70. Condition Very Fine. Depicts rifleman in beret on front,
tank on back. An attractive design. This is Series 681. ebay
2/4
MPC P-M83 A five cent note, Series 692, position 22, condition Very
Fine. In use 1970-73.
MPC P-M84 A ten cent note, Series 692, position 33, condition Fine. In use 1970-73.
MPC
P-M86 A fifty cent note, Series 692, position 43, condition VF/XF.
In use 1970-73.
MPC
P-M2 A ten cent note, Series 461 In use 9/16/46 to 3/10/47. This
note is Extra Fine with a tiny faint stain to left (front).
MPC
P-M9 A ten cent note, Series 471. In use 3/10/47 to
3/22/48. Bright Extra Fine well centered.
MPC
P-M22, Series 481 A five cent note in use 6/20/51 to 5/25/54. A nice
Very Fine or better note which is well centered.
WORLD CURRENCY
Ghana - Ten Cedis Pick 16D Condition is Uncirculated. Catalog value,
a couple of years ago, was $2.50.
Republic of Haiti 1914, December 22nd. Pick 137. Condition
Very Good, edge tears, but all there. Left J.J. Dessalines in fantastic
hat and military uniform; center cannons, drums, cannon balls, ships, mountains,
palm trees, liberty cap - you name it. Overprinted in red, denomination
one gourd. Back shows horses pulling threshing machinery. An
American Bank Note Co. New York product. Note is attractive. Several
editions ago, the catalog value for this note in Good condition was $15, Fine
$50.
India This 100 Rupees note is Pick 45. We call it Fine, though we believe
it leans more toward Very Fine. The catalogue value several editions ago
was $30. An attractive
note. Three lions.
Ireland: A five pound note. This is Pick 58b. Dated 8.1.48
(January 1, 1948). Condition is Very Fine with a small tear lower
center. Overall an attractive note. Pictures Lady Lavery face; River
Lagan Mask on reverse. Apparently scarce as only 141,681 were issued of
this date, according to MacDevitt. To ebay 3/17/08
Ireland Pick 72C Dated May 9, 1989, this ten pound note depicts Jonathon
Swift. Reverse shows street map and river. It looks Fine to Very Fine but
is not; we call it VG with a few edge splits and stains. Catalog value in
VG is face value, which is more than $17.
Scotland - dated January 2 1811 at Edinburgh. This old document
acknowledges the receipt of 13 pounds, 4 shillings, ten pence, for the
allowances of families of Militiamen. Issued in the parish of Lawade (?),
it was for the payment of Scottish soldiers fighting against Napoleon
Bonaparte. A most historical document. Nice gift for the
Scotsman on your list? Clean crisp paper; folded for docketing.
Signed William Fraser for James Hume. please inquire
St. Pierre-et-Miquelon This beautiful and colorful ten franc note depicts
on the front, Colbert; galleons at sea in background; blue, brown and
peach. Back shows loaded canoe, fruits, nuts, mountains in beautiful
multi-colors. Pick 23. Condition Choice Uncirculated. Catalog
value several editions ago was $9
Tonga This is a four piece, complete set of specimen notes; one, two, five
and ten pa'anga, of 1st. August 1978. All serial number 932. Crisp
uncirculated. Pick CS-1.
A Vietnam Propaganda Note produced by the U.S., during that war. The panel
to the left contains the propaganda message. A dual purpose was that if
one clipped off the message at left, voila - it was money, and would hopefully
affect the economy in an adverse fashion.
1950's German Political Propaganda Note
DEPRESSION SCRIP
NJ: $10 Depression Scrip - The County of Atlantic. This is Shafer
NJ155-10. It is dated June 1 1935. Condition Uncirculated, punch
cancel and paid. Done by the E.A. Wright Bank Note Co., of
Philadelphia. Green reverse. A very nice example - catalog value was
$5 in Shafer's reference book which was published in 1984, almost a quarter
century ago.
A $5 note, depression era, from New Jersey. Dated September 1,
1933. Orange with orange back, punch cancel and redeemed. Shafer
NJ129 - 5. Catalog value was $4 when the book came out 24 years ago.
A
1933 $5 note from the depression era, Atlantic County, New Jersey. Dated
April 26. Printed in purple. Punch cancel and redeemed. Shafer
NJ123 - 5. Unpriced in Shafer.
A
$1 note, County of Atlantic, New Jersey. This is listed under depression
scrip in Shafer's catalog. It is number NJ126-1. Dated July 1
1933. It is uncirculated condition, but punch cancel. When the
catalog was printed 24 years ago, the value was $5.
City
of Long Branch, New Jersey. This is a one dollar note issued May 1,
1934. This is Shafer NJ566-1. Printed in blue and brown, quite
attractive. Punch cancel, redeemed. Also stamped. Brown
reverse.
City of Long Branch, New Jersey. This is a ten dollar note, issued May 1,
1934. Shafer NJ566-10. Printed in orange and blue. Orange
back.
NJ Depression scrip. Township of Monroe. April 12, 1934. FDR
at left, orange frame and background. Shafer NJ 1. This is an error
note with the black print slanting sharply up to right. Only one we have
seen. Punch Canceled "Paid".
TN: Jackson, Tennessee depression scrip - scarce items. We sold a
set last year, which prompted a friend to consign these. Please inquire.
ALTERNATIVE CURRENCY
We have called this alternative currency, for want of a better
descriptive. Local exchange trading systems is one term we found during an
on line search but they seemed to originate in 1982. We could find no
information about this issuer. A lovely engraved note, an American Bank
Note Co. product. Condition CU, sl foxing upper lt, barely visible, due to
age. The Consumers' Friend, Inc. name appears on the lower left, back with
a copyright symbol and a date of 1973. At lower right beneath the apparent
magnetic number (which also appears at left) we are told this is Registered U.S.
Patent Office. Anyone with any light to shed is invited to email us,
please.
WOODEN MONEY
In about uncirculated condition, this is Lake George Wooden Money. You can
see it advertised the Mammoth Historical Pageant at Lake George, N.Y. July
17-20, 1938. This wooden nickel was issued by the Historical Pageant
Committee of the Lake George Chamber of Commerce in commemoration of the
bi-centennial of Sir William Johnson. Could have been redeemed at the
First National Bank up to and including July 21, 1938.
SC: One wooden nickel issued by the Columbia Sesquicentennial Commission
in commemoration of the 150th. anniversary of the founding of the Capital of
South Carolina and is redeemable in coin of the United States of America, if
presented on or before March 31, 1936 at the offices of the Columbia Chamber of
Commerce. Blue and black colors.
Two wooden nickels issued by the Columbia Sesquicentennial Commission in
commemoration of the 150th. anniversary of the founding of the Capital of South
Carolina and is redeemable in coin of the United States of America, if presented
on or before March 31, 1936 at the offices of the Columbia Chamber of
Commerce. Color green and black printing. 1786-1936.
Five wooden nickels issued by the Columbia Sesquicentennial Commission in
commemoration of the 150th. anniversary of the founding of the Capital of South
Carolina and is redeemable in coin of the United States of America, if presented
on or before March 31, 1936 at the offices of the Columbia Chamber of
Commerce. This is such a bright red, it must be that the color affected
the scan as this piece is like un-circulated and clear and easy to read by the
eye.
RECENTLY SOLD & SHIPPED
A
Texas treasury warrant, issued August 15th, 1850. It is signed by
Treasurer and Comptroller, and for the amount of One dollar, ninety-one cents,
part of salary for quarter ending Sept. 13, 1850. SOLD
LA: New Orleans Jackson & Great Northern Rail Road Company obsolete
note. This is a very unusual denomination of $1.50. The note depicts
Hebe watering eagle at right; an inverted tablet left containing the
denomination; central vignette has train pulling cars, steamship in background;
bale of cotton lower center. Plain back. Dated Nov. 16,
1861.
A Virginia Treasury Note; of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Criswell #18.
This is a one dollar obsolete note. Depicted are Governor Letcher lower
left; central is Ceres seated on a log with steamboat at right and farmhouse in
distance on left. Condition XF but looks better. Back is
plain. SOLD
GA:
Bank of Fulton $2 note dated 1858. Signed by Austell & Holland, both
of whom were prominent early Atlanta businessmen. Central vignette - men
inspecting tobacco; train vignette lower right; girl lower left. Red
2 2. Engraved by Danforth Wright & Co., New York &
Philada. This note is not common and somewhat difficult to obtain in this
condition. They are usually real rags when you do find them. SOLD
GA: Mechanics Bank of Augusta, Georgia. Dated 1852. Female in
chariot drawn by horses in water central; Franklin left and right of central
vignette; at both ends there are two different females depicted. Over the
Franklin portrait to right is stamped J.H. James, Broker, Banker, Exchange &
Collection Office, Atlanta, Georgia. John H. James was the Mechanics
Bank's agent in Atlanta, and he also represented several other banks including
out of state banks. Hammer cancel accounting for small nick left end,
otherwise overall condition Very Good. SOLD
State of Georgia County of Fulton; City of Atlanta Office of Comptroller.
Dated November 1936 Scrip, printed crosswise in red. A gem CU
remainder of this depression issue. Seal of Atlanta upper left corner,
city hall in underprint lower right; printed by Southern Bank Note Co.,
Atlanta. Snow white blank reverse. SOLD
GA: This is a scarce ten dollar note from the Augusta Clearing House
Association. This is from the Depression of 1907, printed by Foote &
Davies Co. of Atlanta. There is a list of banks on the back which
guarantee this certificate. Stamp hinges at one end, which will come
off. Printed in green, black and red. A mounted knight in armor at
left. Not issued. Depression scrip notes from this era are difficult
to obtain these days. SOLD
PA: A five cent note of the Store at Alleghany Furnace. This is a
relic of a bygone era, the iron and steel industry in Pennsylvania. It was
redeemable in Dry Goods & Groceries, dated January 1, 1856. This was
an early form of "company money" used to pay the workers and
redeemable at the company stores. Printed in copper colored ink, very
attractive. We call it AU, because of some wrinkles which are probably
from the printing process. SOLD
A
Texas treasury warrant. This is an unlisted variety and the only one we
have seen. Note the type font of "The Treasurer of the State of
Texas" below "Treasury Warrant"; not listed as such in
Criswell. Condition XF CC. Issued February 26, 1852, for "Wood
Furnished Genl Dept" in beautiful penmanship. Signed Raymond as
Treasurer; by clerk for Starr as Comptroller. Issued to J. Rambo for $15,
endorsed by him on back. SOLD
Here is a sheet of Louisiana Baby Bonds. The front is not as dark as it
appears in this scan. Issued for warrant. These are the most scarce
regular issue baby bonds of the several varieties. Condition CU. SOLD
LA Criswell 29 A The famous "Baby Bond". Green
letters, $5 with seven coupons which is more than most have remaining.
Green serial numbers. Choice CU. And yes, it is a bond;
however, it did circulate as money, and is listed by Criswell under
"Obsolete". SOLD
RELATED EPHEMERA:
This postcard pictures "The Pink House" at Savannah, Ga. From
1812, and for many years thereafter, it housed the Planters Bank. For more
information, please see on our postcards page, under GA.
The U.S. Government Printing Office, (largest in the world) Washington, D.C. is
the title on this nice old postcard. The back gives interesting facts
about this being the largest and finest printing office in the world. Over
7,000,000 postal cards have been turned out in one day. We believe it to
be from the 1940's, but uncertain as it was never mailed. inquire
Please, if you need to contact us or order something, use Email CandJ and thanks.
Order Form
Please send check or money order to P.O. Box 24056, Winston-Salem, NC 27114. We will ship your order as soon as we receive payment. Please include $3 postage and insurance, unless specified as postpaid (ppd).
Note: We cannot guarantee quantities available at time of order; all notes offered are subject to prior sale. Sales over a thousand dollars must be paid for by bank check or money order; otherwise, notes held until check clears.