Seven Pieces of American Currency. Pieces Issued by U.S. Treasury, Augusta Savings Bank, and Unknown College. Various Places, 1861-Circa 1870s.

The history of American currency demonstrates a wide variety of approaches and forms of money. While most of us think of the U.S. dollar in its common form today (paper dollars and coins), the nineteenth century saw numerous issuances. In this set, several forms of U.S. currency are compiled in demonstration of that variety. It contains five pieces of U.S. postage currency from 1862. These postage currency were a form of U.S. cash issued by the treasury and only good in exchange for postal materials. The set also contains a certificate of deposit from Augusta Savings Bank–a bank located in Georgia during the Civil War. According to this 1861 deposit, the bank made its certificates payable in both U.S. dollars and confederate notes. The set also contains a two dollar piece of college currency (circa 1870). These peculiar forms of money were issued to college students in business schools. They were used to trade on campuses. Students were required to keep careful books of their college currency as a way to learn about accounting and banking. Yet these notes also sometimes served as real currency–students would often exchange them for real services and real money. In sum, the full set contains:

• Augusta Savings Bank certificate of deposit (1861)
• 5 cent postage currency note (1862)
• 5 cent postage currency note (1862)
• 10 cent postage currency note (1862)
• 25 cent postage currency note (1862)
• 50 cent postage currency note (1862)
• 2 dollar college currency note (circa 1870s)

This set of various American currencies is in very good condition. U.S. postage currency about-fine, only some fading and minor creases. Augusta Savings Bank certificate very good with rubbing, creases, and chipping. College currency very good with creases, chipping, and small tear repair.

A very good unique set showing the variety of American currencies in the mid-nineteenth century.