RARE 1863 Wakefield NH S. H. Smith 3 Cents Merchant Scrip - Rare Merchant Signature - New Hampshire Obsolete Three Cent Merchant Note

This listing is for the photographed 1863 Samuel H. Smith 3 Cents Obsolete Merchant Scrip Note. This scrip was printed with the issue date January 1st, 1863. Located in Wakefield, New Hampshire. The note features a vignette of a dog's profile on the right end, and a perched eagle at the upper center. Very rare signature and denomination, the note has a rarity level of R6 according to LaFond. Very Fine (VF) grade/condition, some folds and other signs of circulation. Great extremely rare find with an incredibly interesting history!

This scrip note would be used similar to a modern-day coupon, giving the customer a discount of the determined amount off of their purchase of more than 1 dollar at the merchant's store. Scrip notes were popularly used during the Civil War and the aftermath of the economic panic of 1857 in an attempt to boost sales for local businesses. 

Samuel H. Smith was born in Ossipee, New Hampshire in 1813, spending most of his young adulthood working as a farmer in the area. He moved to Wakefield, NH sometime in the mid-1850s, where he opened his own general store. At his store Smith sold various groceries, dry goods, hardware, and other items based on local demand. Along with operating his business, Smith was politically active within the town of Wakefield as a member of the Democratic party. He was even appointed by President James Buchanan to the highly coveted position of Postmaster of Wakefield in 1859, a position which he held until 1861. Being postmaster meant that the post office and mailboxes would be located in his store, which brought in an entirely new customer base to the business. Even after his time serving as Postmaster, Smith remained active in town politics, being elected town selectman in the midst of the Civil War, during which he advocated for the compensation of the families of Union volunteer soldiers. Smith operated his successful general store until his death in 1879. 

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RARE 1863 Wakefield NH S. H. Smith 3 Cents Merchant Scrip - Rare Merchant Signature - New Hampshire Obsolete Three Cent Merchant Note