Customer Reviews

The Early Paper Money of America

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I do not use these words lightly, but, in my opinion, this should be considerd the definitive reference on the subject. This volume, the new 5th Edition, is profusely illustrated with photogaphs of actual notes; many photos are in color. The book is well organized and is not limited to the paper money of the thirteen original colonies/states, but also includes sections dealing with Florida, Louisiana, the Northwest Territory, and Vermont. Naturally, an extensive section deals with Continental Currency.This book is the work of decades of research, which is reflected in the author's discussions of multiple historical avenues. By this I mean discussions of not only the notes themselves but also their evolution and use in the colonies, perhaps better described as an introduction to Colonial economics. Counterfeiting, valuation, relative purchasing power, printing styles and processes, and the various signers of respective notes, are all discussed. I must state that while this is an incredibly detailed book, it is also a very accessible book. Both novices to the field, as well as experienced collectors, will appreciate that the vast amount of information contained within it, while scholarly, does not bog down into mind numbing prose.The adage, "Buy the book, before the Note", represents some of the soundest advice that can be given to any collector. For those interested in early American paper money, this is the book to buy!!!

Wonderful pictures, and even identification of the signers of the bills. Some signatures are hard to make out even if clearly written in dark ink due to the style of writting, but are identified here. Worth every penny!

Sharp close-up photographs of many paper bills throughout the text and also in a 20-page section of photos only demonstrate the printing and engraving art in early America. This can be especially appreciated in this Fifth Edition because of "highly improved color capability" for reproduction of photos, as Newman notes in his Preface. This Fifth Edition following by about 10 years the previous edition was desirable also to reflect "dramatic increases in values and improved research available through the Internet."

The long subtitle given on the title page summarizes the content: "An illustrated, historical and descriptive compilation of data relating to American paper currency from its concept in 1686 to the year 1800, supplemented with current collector values encompassing emissions for the geographical area now constituting the United States of America by...." Following the "by..." are historical areas of the present-day United States where paper money was issued and categories of particular entities issuing such money. The areas familiar to ones knowing American history are English, French, and Spanish Colonies and from the short period 1775-1777, the United Colonies; and after this, the United States of America to 1787. The four categories of particular entities following these historical areas are Individual American States; American Cities and Counties; Private and Public Banks; and Individuals, Businesses, Churches, etc. Some entities in the last two categories independently issued paper money up to 1800.

Early American paper money draws keen interest not only because of its age. It draws keen interest also because of its association with early America, thus putting it into the perennially popular area of Americana. But more than this, there is such keen interest because the paper money is virtually historical documents. Illustrations on many of the bills and often text and sometimes handwritten notations by one-time owners offer significant historical information in the same way that deeds, indentures, contracts, and other documents of the period do. Many of Newman's annotations--which in some cases grow into short essays--reflect this facet of the paper money.

One paper bill issued by the state of Maryland in July 1775 is especially indicative of interest in this paper money for its documentary value. Newman writes, "On the face is a propaganda-filled woodcut by Thomas Sparrow, depicting Britain receiving a petition of the Continental Congress...from a female figure representing America; a scroll marked SLAVERY and holding a Liberty Cap in front of American troops...." The three indexes for printers, engravers, and designers; secondly, watermark; and thirdly, mottoes and emblematic legends correspond to primary, though not all, attributes making for interest in money. Current prices for an issue's different denominations with respect to different grades of condition are located with the issue's photograph and Newman's annotation.

Hundreds and hundreds of bills are cataloged with front and back pictured for many. This is without doubt the top book--most authoritative, most comprehensive, most informative, most conveniently organized--in the field for the period covered. One can't say it's definitive though since as Newman mentions, new findings and new scholarship cannot be ruled out. This comment though is based on Newman's determined thoroughness on the subject as it is known to date, how knowledge on it has developed, and his honesty in representing it for his own standards and for the sake of serious collectors. The work the author has put together here can never be superseded or bypassed. Later editions may be desirable. Nevertheless, the work in this edition stands as the fundamental knowledge of and methodology for treating the American paper currency as a historical topic and field of interest for collectors.

I recently decided to begin collecting early American paper money. I was surprised and intrigued by how almost everyone (literally and with no exaggeration) with advanced knowledge of the subject recommended I purchase this book. In general in life, when numerous people who know much more about something than you do tell you to do something, it's probably best that you listen, and this was certainly the case with this book.

The pages of this book are printed on high-quality glossy paper, and I love the way each emission is carefully laid out. The history of each issuance with signers, color of ink, etc.. all the details are in here. I really dont know how this book could be improved, other than perhaps more color pictures rather than black and white, or with even more pictures in general, though this is probably a greedy request. This will remain THE reference book for me for years to come, until a new edition is published.

Colonial currency is a fairly static target. They don't make them that way anymore. You don't need a new book every few years.

As expected for a 495 page reference book you get a lot for your money. There are plenty of fact presentations, pictures, and price lists. As with all books with price lists the prices are out of date before the book is distributed. Better current prices can be found by refering to current auctions at Heritage, Teletrade, Lyn Knight, Stack & Bowers et al. That way you won't overpay for a note at your local store front or on line simply because it is called "rare" or "scarce".

Just knowing that punch canceled Massaachusett notes are ten percent of the value of uncanceled notes is worth the $15 price. If you want a reference book for Continental and Colonial currency, this is it.

The first paper money to be issued in America was in Massachusetts in 1690, followed by New York in 1709. The great American experiment with paper money continued with most of the states issuing paper money until the late 1700's when, after confederation, the Continental Congress issued currency to finance the revolution. Everything you would ever want to know about this subject along with color plates of the notes is contained in this scholarly work. If you are a collector, would like to be one, or just enjoy history, this book is for you. Highly Recommended.

The early paper money of America, just as the book's title, makes several contributions to our fund of knowledge. First, the people, places and activities of those who created the first American paper money is inextricably woven into the history of the United States. Second, the artistic and aesthetic aspects of this money are intrinsically wonderful and fascinating. The fact that much research remains to be done with respect to the technical aspects of production, as well as the design elements, both major and minute, creates a need for ongoing research. Third, this volume is indispensable to an appreciation of American numismatics and to anyone who collects or invests in American money of any kind. An argument can be made that our earliest paper money is even more fascinating than American coinage, since it predates coinage and is much less studied.

I have just started collecting early American currency, and I found this book absolutely essential. It is well-written, easy to find notes and the "going rate" for those notes. If you look around for a good buy on this book, you can get the most current edition (mine was edition 5)for around $30-40. Highly recommend, and I give it 5-stars!!!

This has been the "Bible" of Colonial and Continental paper money for decades. So nice to finally have one in color !

This is a must for money buffs and the like.