Civil War VA & NC Banknotes Collection

Origin: United States

Denomination: Various

Year: 1861-1863

Issuer: Various 

Grade: Unspecified

Condition: Varied Aged Related Wear and Toning

Additional Description: Collection of 11 Civil War era banknotes and local currency notes from Virginia and North Carolina, dated 1861–1863.

The collection includes state treasury notes, county and municipal scrip, and a private bank emergency note. All 11 pieces shown are included and are being sold together as one complete lot.

These are not all Confederate States of America Treasury notes. They were issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of North Carolina, local governments, and a Virginia financial institution during the Civil War period.

Virginia Notes — 4 Pieces

1. Augusta County, Virginia 15-Cent Note

    Dated May 25, 1862. County fractional scrip issued at Staunton.

2. Rockingham County, Virginia 50-Cent Note

    Dated June 1, 1862. County fractional scrip issued at Harrisonburg and receivable for county dues.

3. Portsmouth, Virginia $1 Note

    Dated August 1, 1861. Issued by the Merchants and Mechanics’ Savings Bank of Portsmouth. Private-bank emergency currency printed on repurposed commercial paper.

4. Commonwealth of Virginia $1 Treasury Note

    Dated July 21, 1862. Richmond issue featuring Governor John Letcher, an agricultural vignette, and red “ONE” protectors. Commonly cataloged as Criswell Cr. 17.

North Carolina Notes — 7 Pieces

5. State of North Carolina 5-Cent Note

    Dated January 1, 1863. Printed by J. T. Paterson & Co. Features allegorical figures, agricultural products, and a ship. Commonly cataloged as Criswell Cr. 148.

6. Elizabeth City, North Carolina 50-Cent Note

    Dated October 16, 1861. Municipal currency issued by the Corporation of Elizabeth City and printed on thin brown paper.

7. State of North Carolina 75-Cent Note

    Dated January 1, 1863. Printed by J. T. Paterson & Co. Features Industry seated beside a beehive, with transportation and agricultural imagery. Commonly cataloged as Criswell Cr. 134.

8. State of North Carolina $1 Note

    Dated October 19, 1861. Features Minerva at left, a sailing ship vignette, and an ornate red “ONE DOLLAR” reverse.

9. State of North Carolina $1 Note

    Dated September 1, 1862. Ornate design with a large numeral 1 and “By Authority of Law” decoration. Commonly cataloged as Criswell Cr. 88 / Pick S2359.

10. State of North Carolina $2 Note

    Dated October 4, 1861. Printed by F. W. Bornemann of Charleston, South Carolina.

11. State of North Carolina $2 Note

    Dated October 4, 1861. A second example of the F. W. Bornemann issue with a different serial number and plate position.

The notes are in varied circulated condition and show combinations of:

• Toning and discoloration

• Edge wear, nicks, splits, and small tears

• Soiling and handling

• Ink signatures, serial numbers, and endorsements

• Writing or printing on the reverse of certain notes

Some pieces are substantially cleaner and crisper than others. The damaged North Carolina September 1, 1862 $1 note has significant edge wear and losses.

The notes have not been graded. They appear consistent with original period issued currency based on the visible printing, paper, handwritten signatures, serial numbers, and designs, but no absolute guarantee of authenticity or catalog variety is made. Please examine all photographs carefully. The photographs are considered part of the description and show the actual notes included.

An appealing collection for a Civil War, Southern history, or currency collector.