Historic Currency

The first U.S. notes issued were called “greenbacks”. The term comes from the fact that at the time green ink was very scarce and this deterred cou...

Before the Civil War, it was legal for any bank, company or individual to issue their own paper money.  Eventually, this was outlawed by the U.S. g...

This numbered note was issued from the Farmers And Exchange Bank of Charleston, South Carolina.  On the left of the note is a scene with palm trees...

At one time it was perfectly legal for any bank, company, or even individual to issue paper money.  The money was only as good as the reputation of...

Pennsylvania issued its own paper money as a colony starting in 1723, and continued until 1785, just after the Revolution.  One of the reasons that...

This original financial document from 1779 was used to borrow money from France for the American Revolutionary War effort.  It measures 7 ¾” x 4” i...

The first version of the Half Dollar was known as the Bust Half Dollar and was introduced in 1794 and remained in production until the late 1830s. ...

This silver piece of eight, made in 1797 was the precursor to the U.S. Silver Dollar. King Charles of Spain's profile in soldier's dress with laure...

In 1928 U.S. currency went from large “horse blanket” size to the modern size we know today.  One dollar silver certificates, with a blue seal, and...

In 1993 a fishing vessel pulled up what appeared to be rocks in their fishing nets; on closer inspection, the “rocks” were coins fused together.  T...

In 1993 a fishing vessel pulled up what appeared to be rocks in their fishing nets; on closer inspection, the “rocks” were coins fused together.  T...

The Bank of Washington, North Carolina was in business from 1851- 1864.  It was one of many buildings devastated by fire during The Civil War.  Thi...

The Bank of Washington, North Carolina was in business from 1851- 1864.  It was one of many buildings devastated by fire during The Civil War.  Thi...

At one time it was perfectly legal for any bank, company, or even individual to issue paper money.  The money was only as good as the reputation of...

This Bronze Medal of 1932 is in celebration of The Bicentennial of the Birth of George Washington. America’s first and favorite President is shown ...

The 1896 US Silver Certificate has elaborate engravings, a red seal, and dark blue serial numbers. The design on the front, history instructing you...

This silver piece of eight or Spanish colonial real, made in Mexico in 1807, was the precursor to the US Silver Dollar. King Charles of Spain's pro...

In 1977, the wreck of L’Auguste de Bordeaux, which sank off the coast of Nova Scotia on November 15, 1761, was discovered and partially salvaged.  ...

In 1977, the wreck of L’Auguste de Bordeaux, which sank off the coast of Nova Scotia on November 15, 1761, was discovered and partially salvaged.  ...

Silver certificates were first made in 1878. The size was large and the artwork was sometimes stunning. Much plainer, modern sized notes were made ...

Silver certificates were first made in 1878. The size was large and the artwork was sometimes stunning. Much plainer, modern sized notes were made ...

Silver certificates were first made in 1878. The size was large and the artwork was sometimes stunning. Much plainer, modern sized notes were made ...

This unusual bank note was issued in 1853 in the old coastal town of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The note contains images of George Washington,...