Expert: PAPAJACK - 3/12/2009

Question
i have a 500dollars bill from Richmond feb.17.1864 with serial number 33546 twice on the face and on the back is black and has number 500 big in the midle and 500small in the corners in some filigrams circles. was wonder its posible to be real ? thanks

Answer
Hello Lucian,                 

The design you describe is used for a Confederate States of America notes.  

Unfortunately, the serial number you gave me is a known reproduction note.

These are not counterfeit pieces but rather a modern reproduction. Many reproduction or facsimile notes are printed on paper that has been chemically treated to give it a look of old parchment. The signatures at the bottom of these reproductions are usually stamped or signed in black ink. Nearly all original Confederate notes as well as most Southern State banknotes use brown ink in the signature, sometimes red or blue ink, but never black ink.
They made y more reproduction notes and they far outnumber the original notes. They were usually used for commemorating the Civil War, its Centennial or a reenactment. These notes are available at historic battlefields or from Sellers at many local Civil War re-enactments.
Some facsimile notes also were made during the 1950’s in boxes of Cheerios cereal and in the 1960’s and 70’s as promotional items for Topps and A.B.C. gum companies.

Here is a list of the serial numbers used on known replica $500 notes dated Feb. 17, 1864 -393, 3546, 9229, 14682, 16599, 16760, 18278, 19834, 26326, 26949, 33546, 36776, 82210

Many of the authentic confederate notes are blank on the reverse some have the denomination in different colors written on them. I am not sure why there is no artwork on the reverse but the actual Confederate States were not really around too long and you could not spend the money anywhere but the confederate states.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack