Hi, everyone. I was looking through some of my stuff and came across this old check that I had forgotten about. I know it's not exactly paper currency, but it is paper, and it has to do with money. I originally bought it for the revenue stamp back when I was very into philately. (But that's died down lately in favor of numismatics.) It's dated June 5th, 1868 for the First National Bank of Susquehanna, PA. A William [not sure on the last name] was paying $13.95 to a Miss Mitchell. Quite a bit of money back then! I was wondering if anyone else on this forum has any old checks they would like to share. I don't have anything else like this, and I don't know much about checks, but I may begin to be on the lookout for more in the future. I sure like this one!
Great topic, Stripey! There's a good thread going on this already, if you want to jump in: http://www.cointalk.com/t108341/
I like old checks too Stripey. I have a few that were given to me a couple of years ago, but haven't picked up any more since then. There's too many other things I'm more interested in collecting. I wish I had deep pockets but... Bruce
Thank's for the link! I'll head on over there and see what I can find. I feel you; story of my life. So much to collect, so little money...
I collect Oklahoma, Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory Checks and others with Native American Vignettes... Here is a nice Guthrie, Oklahoma check from the Bank of Indian Territory with an attractive cancel. I have this same type of check cancelled in Blue, Purple and Red. It makes a good display. I have many others but they are not imaged. When I get around to it, I will post some on the other older thread as well.
That's a neat one, Lettow! 1893 was several years before the present Denver Mint building was constructed, and more than a decade before they began minting silver coinage.
Here's a pretty early one -- 1864. Back when blacksmithing was prime career. I wonder how they got away with not applying the revenue stamp.
I really like this Thread and love seeing some of what you all have posted. I was fortunate enough to have received some engraved checks from a very special Numismatic contact, Mr. Hessler a while back. While these checks are not embellished with glamorus vignetts from days gone by...they are truly engraved personal checks that mean alot to me. I think I scanned them a while back and I will check (no pun intended) to see and post if I had done so. If I recall correctly I have 2 of these personal items that will be cherised for years to come.
here are some i had posted a few weeks ago. they are from "Third National Bank of Chicago" they are all from the 1880's
I normally don't collect checks but I found this one which matched an old note I had purchased. They were purchased from different sources at different times. Since then I have researched the bank's history along with information on the bank officer's, and have been looking for anything else that would be attributed to it. It turned out to be quite a facinating story.
Real nice absolete salty....where's the best resource to get info on a banks history and bank officers?
I just googled the banks name, its location, try the year and the bank name together, stock holders reports, ect... then as you gather small bits of information, google them. This bank had a lot of public information about it. Do the same for the bank officers. Check cencus reports during that time for the city, birth records, marriage records and even obituaries.. If you have an address for a person, try city records for taxes, permits and state licenses. All this is available on the internet.
This check is a little bit I'd Dakota territory history. The famous George Hearst started his fortune in the Virginia City Comstock silver load and finished his mining empire establishing the Homestake gold mine in Lead SD In 1876. This check is signed by one of he mines first Superintendents in 1889. The Lead mine produced 44 million ounces and only recently closed in 2002.
I do hope that Mr. Hessler would not mind my posting this image of his personal check! I did blur the Acct# even if it was from years ago as I would not want that published by any means. The reason I posted this is due to what I was told about the checks...as you can see these were engraved by the American Banknote Company. While these do not have the older vignetts we see, they are none the less very attractive with nice engraving. Enjoy the image...holding this in hand you can feel the embossing and the color is very pleasing.
I have a Rail Road company check for over $15,000 from the early 1900's. I forget what state but ill pull it out and get a nice picture and the funny thing is I've had it for years and paid no more than a buck or two for it.
Those are gorgeous, Rick! I had no idea ABNC printed personal checks -- I wonder if it was done as a favor for Gene Hessler. I'm sure they weren't cheap to produce. Coppermania, that old Dakota territorial check reminded me of a couple I have from Montana territory. You can find them on the intaglio check thread I linked to earlier, but I'll post them here, too.