The E-Sylum:  Volume 9, Number 35, August 27, 2006, Article 13

ON COUNTERFEITS IN COLLECTIONS

Regarding Bob Leuver's note last week about the collecting of
counterfeit U.S. paper money, an E-Sylum reader writes: "There are
some collections of US Federal paper money that ONLY consist of
counterfeits.

Collectors of obsolete currency and National Bank Notes often
collect counterfeits of notes that fit their geographical criteria.
For example, a collector of Maryland obsoletes might collect both
legitimate and counterfeit notes that purport to be obligations of Maryland
Banks from the obsolete era.  A particular fascination for these
'state' collectors is obtaining a legitimate note as well as the
corresponding counterfeit version of that note which has imitations
of the legitimate note's layout,    legends, and vignettes.  Needless
to say, comparing the two notes reveals that the features of the
counterfeit are much more crudely rendered than those on the
legitimate note.

Although many E-Sylum readers probably are aware that Bob Leuver
was once the Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, I'm
sure there are a few who weren't aware of that.  His story about
showing his credentials at the pharmacy in Florida would have been
more interesting if that information were included."

[Indeed.  I've been rushed editing the recent issues and meant to
note that fact in a preface to the article.  Sorry!

As for collecting counterfeits, obsolete notes are certainly fair
game, but I'd still be leery of holding counterfeits of current U.S.
notes.  Attempting to pass them is certainly illegal, but possession
is a grey area that could be a problem with over-zealous local
officials.  I'm curious to learn more about any collection of U.S.
counterfeits, but for the above reason I could understand why the
collectors would keep quiet. -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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