Wiscasset Bank, Massachusetts (Maine), Five Dollar Note

Includes an archival grade document sleeve.

• Origin: Wiscasset, Maine (before statehood; it was previously part of Massachusetts)
• Authority: Wiscasset Bank
• Date: July 4th, 1817
• Denomination: 5 dollars
• Size: 6.6 x 2.7 inches
• Face Side: COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, The President Directors & Company of the WISCASSET BANK promise to pay J Roe or bearer on demand FIVE DOLLARS. WISCASSET, July 4th, 1817 - Text with microprinted "Five Dollars" repeated in background
• Back Side: Anti-counterfeiting patterns, typical of banknotes from the early 19th century.
• Notes: This is an example of obsolete paper money—a type of currency issued by thousands of American banks, companies, states, and other entites before the federal government began printing money during the Civil War. These notes were issued solely under the authority of the banks that printed them and lacked backing from precious metals or government guarantees. Commonly, such notes include phrases like "State of" or the name of a specific bank. If a bank that issued these notes failed, its notes quickly became worthless. Much of the imagery on these notes was essentially the 19th century version of clip art or stock photos—often, they were simply premade engravings that the printing company had on hand.

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