1862 Virginia Treasury 5 Dollar Obsolete Banknote - Virginia Confederate Currency - March 13, 1862 - Confederate Virginia Five Dollars Note

This listing is for the photographed 1862 Richmond Virginia 5 Dollar Obsolete Treasury Note. Issued during the Civil War after Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. Printed date March 13, 1862. Portrait of Jahnathan Bennett, a public account auditor for the state, is displayed at the notes center. Right end vignette representation of the Virginia State Seal, depicting Virtue defeating Tyranny within an oval frame. Very Fine (VF) grade/condition, some visible folds and other signs of circulation. Beautiful engravings and a great piece of history.

During the Civil War the Confederate States of America attempted to establish an independent currency system in order to fund their war efforts, resulting in an array of Confederate currency from each of its states. Many of these banknotes were made out of necessity during the war, which causes them to be varied in condition and design throughout the states. One design many of these notes had in common was detailed vignettes, often of prominent Confederate leaders or imagery supporting their war efforts.

Obsolete bank notes are also called "broken bank notes." In the days prior to the Federal Reserve, any bank could produce currency for use by the clients and members of the community. Unfortunately, not many safeguards were taken to ensure that banks stood behind the currency they were producing and circulating. Banks, more often than not, failed and their currency was rendered worthless. As a result, most bank notes of the period did not trade at their full retail value. Oftentimes notes were worth 50 cents on the dollar because the public expected the banks to fail. 

This piece offers a great deal of insight into the Civil War era political and economic aspects of the United States, making it an excellent addition to any collection!

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1862 Virginia Treasury 5 Dollar Obsolete Banknote - Virginia Confederate Currency - March 13, 1862 - Confederate Virginia Five Dollars Note