Coins and Paper Money -> Paper Money: US -> Colonial Currency
If you are interested in collecting paper money, Colonial money is one of the hottest tickets going right now. When the first US colonies were formed, the nation and its currency system were still in their infancy. It was decided that paper money would be used, and gradually, currency was printed and distributed for use. Today, colonial money is usually worth much more than its face value, provided that it is original and not a reproduction. Here are some tips on how to tell whether or not you have an authentic piece of colonial history.
1. Check the Signature
Colonial money was always designed to have at least one signature on the note. You may need to look carefully to determine whether or not a signature is present, but if you can’t find even one, chances are you may be dealing with a reproduction. The color of the signature should be in red ink.
2. Is it Numbered?
Colonial money was always numbered to help them keep track of how many bills were in circulation. Once again, if you are dealing with an authentic note the ink color will be red and the number will be very noticeable. Age made have faded the note slightly, but you should be able to tell that the ink was once a red color.
3. Look at the Writing
Typically, colonial money featured a handwritten signature, and some bills may have other handwriting on them as well. This is actually quite important, and is a big clue to the authenticity of the note. If the handwriting is the in the same color as the rest of the bill, there is a very high chance that you are in fact dealing with a reproduction.
4. Look for the Stamp
In most cases, reproductions that are intended merely for home use will carry a stamp that says “facsimile.” This is done to help people get a better idea of the colonial money that was used, but they are not intended to be collector items. While some reproductions may not have this stamp, the majority should.
5. Find the Watermark
Even in the height of the colonial period, when technology still was struggling, watermarks were added to bills to help determine whether or not they were authentic. You can use that same watermark to help you determine whether or not you have authentic colonial money on hand. Hold the bill up to a light source to see if you can spot the watermark. If you can’t chances are you have a reproduction.
6. Take it to an Expert
If you plan on investing in a colonial money note, it is best to have it examined by an expert to determine the authenticity of the note. They will be well versed in the different types of ink, the different plates that were used, as well as how real colonial money should look. There is no substitute for getting an expert’s opinion, especially if you will be investing in colonial money.
Photo Credits: woody1778a
Originally posted 2008-09-11 14:00:01. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Chinese Paper Money Coins and Paper Money -> Paper Money - World -> China The Chinese actually invented paper money, and the process of making it dates back to the early 9th century. Collectors are always seeking Chinese paper money due to its rich history and value, and this is a currency that...... -
Debating: Paper Money or Coins There are plenty of different options available for anyone who is thinking about getting into collecting paper money and coins. While there are some people who try to have well-rounded collections and collect both types of currency, there are others who are simply looking to stick with one side of...... -
Collecting Foreign Currency Without Traveling Foreign currency is an incredibly interesting type of currency to collect. It can open our eyes to an entire new world and show off some of the history of countries that we may have never been to. You do not have to travel to all of these countries to enjoy...... -
Paper Money Chinese Collections There are several different types of paper money a person can collect. People become attracted to certain types of paper money over others for various reasons. Some people may find that they are attracted to the look for certain type of currency over another. Some collectors may find that they...... -
Canadian Paper Money Money -> Paper Money: World -> Canada Canadian paper money has an interesting history. If many of us were handed an example of the first Canadian paper currency, we wouldn't recognize its significance. That's because the first bills issued in Canada weren't printed bills at all because paper was an......
Related Websites -
4 Reasons to Collect Paper Currency Paper currency is a form of money collecting that is somewhat hit or miss. While some people love the idea of collecting paper money, others try to avoid it as much as possible. It is important for all to understand the various benefits of collecting paper money. Those who get...... -
How to Get Started Collecting British Paper Money There are many different kinds of paper money that can be collected. In fact, ever since paper money was first used, it has been collected by royalty and commoners alike. Those who enjoy collecting foreign currency appreciate collecting British paper money for a few different reasons. One reason is because...... -
A Beginner Guide to Collecting Paper Money While there are plenty of resources that exist for those who are interested in collecting coins, there is little out there for those collecting paper money. Paper money collections are far more intricate than coin collections, offering more difficult finds and more interesting pieces. There are a couple of facets...... -
4 Things to Know about Collecting Old Paper Money If you are looking to start an interesting currency collection, you should look into collecting old paper money. Unlike normal coin collecting, collecting paper money is a little more time intensive, labor intensive, and rare. You must work harder for the collecting and to keep the collection both safe and...... -
Valuing of Old Postage Stamps If you are interested in collecting stamps, then you probably already realize that stamp collecting is something that can be very valuable for a number of different reasons. Some old postage stamps are valuable simply because they are the only one of their kind, while others are valuable because they......
