United States Paper Currency

The United States paper currency first officially started during the Civil War. There were colonial issued notes that were used as legal tender, as well as the State bank notes that were issued by over 1600 banks throughout the nation. Due to financial problems, with the Union on the brink of bankruptcy, Congress allowed the production of the United States Note as a non-interest bearing legal tender note. This remained the standard until two other economic upsets in 1893 and 1907. In 1913, Congress set the Federal Reserve to regulate the flow of money and credit. The Federal Reserve Note was created, which are also called 'Greenbacks,' and they represent 99% of circulated notes to this day. Many varieties of notes exist in the history of the United States. From fractional currency to State Bank Notes, from silver and gold certificates to modern day Federal Reserve Star Notes. Bellevue Rare coins has a wide variety of paper money. If you do not see what you are looking for on our website, please feel free to call and give us your want list or check on our newest inventory.