Obsolete Paper Money Issued by Banks in the United States 1782-1866

by Q. David Bowers, Eric P. Newman (Foreword)

Award-winning author and historian Q. David Bowers explores the fascinating world of "obsolete currency" - the colorful, ornate paper money that first circulated in the 13 colonies and served American commerce up through the Civil War.

598 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Donald Scarinci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most well written and entertaining book on the subject that I have ever read. The specialist books are very narrow and more for research. This one is a beach read. It gets you thinking about the early monetary history of the United States and how our system of banking and finance began.

The book is more than just entertainment though. It contains nuggets of interesting and important information about every State up to the Civil War era and it illustrates examples of engravers and printing companies as well as the lives of key players who created, manufactured, and ordered banknotes.

Beware of catching the urge to buy obsolete currency. It is a rabbit hole, but a fascinating study and a window into pre-civil war America.