Confederate States of America, $10 Note

Includes archival-grade plastic banknote sleeve for protection.

These $10 notes were printed by the Confederate States of America during the U.S. Civil War. Each was hand signed and issued in Richmond, Virginia, from a series dated February 17th, 1864. Imagery on the notes include a team of horses pulling cannons, as well as a portrait of Robert M.T. Hunter (the Confederate Secretary of State).

At the beginning of the Civil War, the 11 states of the newly formed Confederacy needed currency to fund the war effort. Known as "greybacks," the new Confederate banknotes were not backed by any hard assets, but rather by a promise to pay the bearer back after the war. Specifically, many stated that payment would come “two years after the ratification of a treaty of peace between the Confederate States and the United States.” 

Ironically, the initial batch of Confederate banknotes were printed in New York City and then smuggled back into the South. However, there were significant problems with printing money in enemy territory as the war progressed, and the Confederate government resorted to employing private print companies throughout Louisiana, South Carolina and Virginia.

The Confederacy had limited access to skilled engravers, printers, and printing facilities, so early issue banknotes often had unrelated designs, including mythical gods, but later included Confederate themes such as famous southern politicians, historical figures, trains and naval ships. Altogether, the Confederate States of America issued banknotes featuring at total of 72 different designs, five of which depicted slaves.

As the war continued and defeat appeared imminent, the value of Confederate notes plummeted, exacerbated by rampant inflation and counterfeiting. Once the South lost the war, Confederate notes lost all monetary value as a currency.

All purchases include a Certificate of Authenticity. You will receive the exact item in this photo.