Expert: PAPAJACK - 8/29/2008

Question
I have been given a Republic of Texas $100.00 bill and would like to find someone in the Fort Worth area to look at it.  It has the Minerva and Mercury Vignette in the center, a train on the left, a ship on the right, No 18?, signed by president Mirabeau B Lamar, and James Webb (acting) Secretary / Treasurer.  I would like to see if it is real, but I have concerns.  It is dated 1839, but no day or month, and there appears to be nothing on the back.  Could it be real even without these two items?  Could this be due to the fact that James Webb was only acting from 13 Mar 1839 to 25 Mar 1839?  Would they not have been finished, thus not issued?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello Robert,                             

I need a bit more information on this item. It sounds like a replica but I cannot examine it in person.
Many of the original items are reproduced for historical interest.
They even use chemically aged paper and look genuine.
Is there an issuing bank on the note? Or perhaps a city name in Texas? The only one I have seen was from AUSTIN
What else is on the note besides the pictures? Serial number or charter number. (Some had stars in the design)

Is it a Promissory Note and if so is it signed and dated to the bearer?
Has the note been canceled or redeemed?  Does it have holes or cuts into it?  This would mean it was redeemed by the issuing authority.

Some of the Republic bills known as “redbacks” because of the red printing on the reverse and were printed by Rowdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson in New Orleans. They advertised their name on all the bills they printed. Does yours have their name on the side that is printed? (check the bottom right above the margin)

Without seeing the note I cannot judge if it is authentic or not. Since your note does match some of the information required taking it to a dealer for evaluation is easy.

Here are some for you to call.

ALLEN MINCHO CURRENCY
PO Box 1525
Cedar Park, TX 78630
Phone: 830-693-7590
Specialties: Paper Money, Paper Money (Obsolete), Paper Money (U.S.)  

AU AR Numismatics
PO Box 7636
Fort Worth, TX 76111-0636
Phone: (817) 465-1269
Specialties Buying Coins

DON WILLIS RARE COINS
13101 Preston Rd Ste 110
Dallas, TX 75240
972-788-5225

FORT WORTH COIN COMPANY, INC
2822 West 7th Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
817-336-1782

FRANK PROVASEK RARE COINS
PO Box 150411
Fort Worth, TX 76108
Phone: (817) 239-2704

Heritage Auction Galleries
3500 Maple Ave 17th Floor
Dallas, TX 75219-3906
Phone: (800) 872-6467
Website: http://www.HeritageAuctions.com/Coins  
We are America’s largest rare coin dealer and auctioneer offering a full range of numismatic material and services.

JOE WADE RARE COINS
6420 Diamond Loch
North Richland Hills, TX 76180-8456
Phone: (817) 485-1777
Specialties Appraisals, Buying Coins, U.S. Type  
* Part time dealer  


MIKE FOLLETT RARE COIN CO INC
13101 Preston Rd Ste 110
Dallas, TX 75240
800-527-0002

R E Wallace Stamp & Coin
312 E Weatherford St
Fort Worth, TX 76102-2240
Phone: (817) 338-4631
Specialties Ancient coins

Southwest Numismatic Corp
6116 N Central Espy Ste 921
Dallas, TX 75206-5157
Phone: (214) 823-9202
Specialties Paper Money Obsolete, Paper Money U.S.

Not all specialize in Paper Notes but they will be able to direct you further on what to do.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack