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 -
Things to Look for on Money Notes Whenever collecting, there are many different things that you should pay attention to so that you will be able to get everything that you are looking for. Among the many different things that you will need to look for is on the items that you have in your collection itself....... -
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...... -
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......
Related Websites -
The Ease of Collecting New Paper Money Collecting money is something that a lot of people find a lot of joy in. Part of the joy is being able to find all of the different pieces that you want to add to your collection. This often means scouting out old pieces which have changed hands several times....... -
Save Time, Money and Space in Over 80 Ways If you're looking for handy gadgets, tools and various items that can save you time, money or space (or all three!) this list of more than 80 top products is just what you need. Everyone's got saving money on their minds these days- whether your at the grocery store, or...... -
Collecting Interesting Paper Money Paper money and paper currency has always been interesting and fun to collect, with thousands of coin collectors adding paper to their overall collections. There are some who still fail to see the benefits of adding paper money to their collection; they fail to understand how interested paper currency can...... -
How the Internet Helps with Collecting Paper Money Coins Collecting paper money coins is something that most everyone enjoys because it is something which you can become an expert at. You will be able to learn all about the different kinds of currency which are available as well as the different kinds of ways that you will be able...... -
Determining your BMI The BMI scale, or Body Mass Index scale is used by many doctors as a means of determining whether or not you are the right healthy weight depending on your height. For most people, the BMI score is accurate, but it is unfortunately not going to be accurate for absolutely......
