NEW BOOK: U. S. FEDERAL LARGE-SIZE NOTES

The Comprehensive Catalog of U. S. Federal Large-Size Notes, 1861 – 1929,
Authors Carlson R. Chambliss and Gene Hessler
Foreword by: Martin Gengerke and Douglas Murray
Speckles Press 2014
Reviewed by John and Nancy Wilson, NLG

The book is a 320 page, soft-bound reference (8.5” X 11”), fully illustrated with vivid color photographs. This is the first reference since 1979 to deal with large-size notes exclusively. Notes in denominations from $1 to $10,000 are covered in three grades. Many of the notes shown in this reference are in the collection of Dr. Chambliss. The reference also covers (US Federal issues), currency related souvenir cards, with prices and quantity sold, along with how they came into existence starting in 1969. The authors introduce a new and very systematic (Chambliss) numbering system. The more familiar Friedberg numbers are also given for each variety. Star notes, mules, and National bank notes, large-size errors, fancy serial numbers and uncut sheets are also covered. All census data is covered to 2014.

Ink, chemistry, bimetallism, monetary policies of the 19th century and other such features are also covered. The reference has 14 Chapters. These two authors have worked together on a previous reference dealing with paper money. That was in 2006 when they authored, “The Comprehensive Catalog of U. S. Paper Money.” Dr. Chambliss is an author of about 90 articles mostly on paper money. He has also authored other numismatic references. Gene Hessler (a recent recipient of the American Numismatic Association, Lifetime Achievement Award) is a celebrated author and researcher.

Chapter One - Introduction. The authors cover the many complexities of U. S. paper money. You will learn ink variances, the placement of notes on sheets, plate letters, Treasury seals, and serial numbers.

Chapter Two – Signatures and Seals. Treasury officials whose signatures appear on notes from 4-17-1861 to 5-31-1933 are given. They explain how the Treasury Seal came into existence and two pages of the Seals are shown and defined.

Chapter Three – Grading and Valuations. The authors describe grades from Gem to Good. An explanation of Third-party grading is also given. They cover purchasing notes in auctions which are slabbed as well as the slabbing of notes. They are currently working on a new “Eighth Edition of their Comprehensive Catalog.” This reference “will contain a more thorough discussion of third-party grading. They also explain in great detail how their pricing would compare to other references including the monthly Currency Dealer Newsletter or Greensheet. Counterfeit and replica notes close out this chapter.

Chapters 4 to 12 cover all the different large size notes that were issued from 1861 to 1929. The 226 pages in these chapters explain the Laws that authorized the different issues and the reasons they came into existence. They give the quantities of notes issued, notes known, and with the exception of some issues, prices in three different grades, F, XF and CU. The chapter on Demand and Interest Bearing Notes has important information found no-place else. The chapter on National bank notes has a listing and values by states. The prices utilize actual auction selling prices and other sources.

Chapter Thirteen – Errors, Fancies, and Sheet. The chapter has an excellent explanation of how an error occurs. An explanation of plate errors is followed with a two page census on inverted backs. The 2010 listing of inverted varieties was done by Martin Gengerke and Dr. Fred Bart. They are listed by denominations, types, CH# (Chambliss No.) and census (No. of notes known). The majority have only one note in the census. Other errors include overprint errors, double denominations (the authors explain that very few large size double denominations are known), mismatched serial numbers and fancy serial numbers. A listing of large size uncut sheets close out this interesting and informative section.

Chapter Fourteen – Currency Related Souvenir Cards. With the high cost of any large size note, many collectors have turned to collecting currency related souvenir cards. We collect all currency related souvenir cards including forerunner issues. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) started selling souvenir cards in 1969 and still do today. Some years back they stopped issuing cards that depicted U. S. currency. The BEP used the actual plates to print these currency related cards along with any of the cards that are issued today. The cards are listed by: year of issue, event they were sold at, the name of the note used, quantity issued, and current price trend. We know of at least two dealers who sell them on Ebay and other venues. There is also a society for the collecting of souvenir cards. The Souvenir Card Collecting is a great organization that publishes a journal quarterly. If you have an interest in collecting Souvenir Cards the dues is $25 per year if you live in North America. Dues can be sent to: William Kriebel, 1923 Manning Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-5728.

Mediography – References or Bibliography . These are the sources that were used to produce this reference. The “Auction Catalogs” part gives information on sales and auctions that had rare and important U.S. currency.

The pages following contain the Gengerke census of U. S. Large Size Type Notes. The census lists over 150,000 notes that are individually listed by serial numbers and by grades. Auction data is also provided by Mr. Gengerke in this census. If you have an interest in purchasing this census Email Martin Gengerke at: Gengerke@aol.com.

Dr. Chambliss and Mr. Hessler have gone “the extra mile” in providing a reference destined to help anyone interested in U. S. Federal Currency. We highly recommend collectors, dealers, investors and researchers purchase this wonderful reference on U. S. Federal Large-Size Notes, 1861 – 1929. The book is available from the author for $35, which includes postage and handling. Send a check to: Carlson R. Chambliss, P. O. Box 804, Kutztown, PA. 19530 or call 1 (610) 683-6572 or email crchamblis@verizon.net

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