is it normal or common for an obsolete to have a blank back, or is that a sign that it is a fake? here's my note...
I thought it was common although some are printed on the backs of other notes and some do have backs. (sorry for the run on sentence, could think how to punctuate)
i know there's a more technical term, but i know how to spend paper, not collect it, so i'm not sure if the terms are the same as coins.
Prior to the establishment of the BEP 10's of thousands of Obsoletes were printed by various States and Shoppe Owners. W@hile some Obsoletes have backs that are printed, many do not. A Blank back is not a sign of of the note being fake, simply put very few Obsoletes had printed backs at the time. You will need to do some research on Virginia Obsoloetes to find out if your note is real or not.. A good reference is Haxbys Obsolete volumes or a quick search on some major Auctions Sites. There are so Obsolete experts at www.collectoruniverse.com as well. Good luck. RickieB
Here is a completed sale from HA. with a blank back.. http://currency.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=3506&Lot_No=16820#Photo
In addition to the Haxby reference, there is Virginia Obsolete Paper Money by Richard Jones and Keith Littlefield. Although Philippi was part of Virginia during this time period, it later became part of West Virginia. The Bank of Philippi was authorized by the General Assembly in 1856 and operated until sometime in the 1860s. Your note appears to be BP40-27 (G14a in Haxby). There was another $20 variety printed in red and black as well as one with a different design. It is a rare note. The Virginia book lists it as rarity 7G, indicating two to four known. If it's in good condition and genuine, it is likely worth several hundred dollars.
Many obsoletes have blank backs,this is not an indication of a fake,look for one on Heritage ,they show both sides.
