Original, Uncut Sheet of Bank of Augusta 1863 Fractional Notes

Description

Original, Uncut Sheet of Bank of Augusta 1863 Fractional Notes
Offered for your consideration is an uncut sheet of fractional currency, issued during the Civil War by a bank in Georgia and payable in Confederate banknotes. The individual notes are presented in a somewhat random order, with the top row being composed (from left to right) by two 25¢ and one 75¢ notes, the center row being composed of three 50¢ notes, and the bottom row bearing two 10¢ and one 5¢ notes. Each of these notes is identical in layout, the only differences being in the denomination and some minor variations in the fonts. The denomination is presented in numerical format in the upper corner of each note, the left being black and the right being red. The body of the note is dominated by a financial obligation which states that “
The President, Directors & Co. of the BANK OF AUGUSTA Will pay
(the denomination is printed in red capital letters here)
CENTS to Bearer on demand, in Confederate Treasury Notes, when the sum of Five Dollars is presented.
”. This is followed at the lower left by the location and date of issue, “
Augusta, Ga., Jan. 1, 1863
”, with a dotted line and “
for Cashier
” at the lower right (since these notes were never issued, no signature is present). The printer of these notes is not known to the seller, as they did not imprint their name on any of these pieces. What makes this sheet particularly interesting is that it was printed on the back of an earlier, 4-note sheet of currency from the same bank. These notes are all of the same denomination and design, the central vignette depicting Archimedes lifting the globe with a pole resting atop a mountain. This is flanked by medallions presenting the denomination is numerical and written format. Below the figure is a financial obligation which states that “
The President Directors & Comp.y of the BANK OF AUGUSTA promise to pay on demand Four Dollars to ___________ or bearer.
”, followed by “
Augusta, Georgia
” and blank lines for the date. Two blank lines appear at the bottom, one to be signed by the “
Cash.r
” and the other by the “
Pres.t
”. Portraits of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington appear in oval frames at the left and right, respectively. These notes were printed by “
A. B & C. Durand Wright & Co.
”, as evidenced by their imprint at the lower center. The practice of re-using earlier issues occurred with some regularity, especially within the Southern states. Prior to the Civil War, much of the quality paper that was used in the production of currency was either made in the North or imported, generally from England or France. These sources were cut-off due to the outbreak of the fighting, and the Northern declaration of naval blockade, so other expedients would have to be tried. Since much of the pre-war currency was only printed on one side, many of these un-issued sheets were rotated (so that there would be no confusion regarding which note was being presented for payment) and printed with the more recent design. These notes were then cut and released into circulation. The presently offered sheet is wonderful example of this wartime measure. A great addition to any Civil War currency collection. Rarely offered.
The presently offered sheet was never signed or cut for issuance to the public, therefore, it exhibits no signs of circulation, though long-term storage issues are still present. Light toning is noted across the entire surface, imparting an off-white hue to the paper, with areas of somewhat darker coloration (light brown or rust) scattered throughout. Three vertical folds are present, each one affecting a column of notes. These folds have not seriously weakened the paper, even at the edges, where problems normally occur. The edges, themselves, are ragged and irregular, virtually as originally prepared, though one edge clearly has been trimmed. The contrast is reasonably sharp, though several areas appear to have received less ink during the production, especially those accomplished in red. Measuring approximately 8¼ x 12¾ inches, this piece would make a wonderful conversation piece for anyone interested in the Civil War or financial history.
A .95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA