Expert: PAPAJACK - 3/21/2009

Question
Hi.  I have had some old Texas currency for 25-30 years.  I did some research and found photos of replicas.  Everything is the same on the $20 one except the copy stamp.  I was wondering how long they have been making the replicas and if they're worth anything.  I also have one that's 100 from Clinton Bank in New York.  Thanks.  Amber

Answer
Hello Amber,                

The New York, Clinton Bank; $100 dated Dec. 2, 1839 is another known replica note.

I am asked occasionally about these notes. They were likely made in modern times for historical purposes.

In the 1960’s War re-enactments were popular and even today many clubs have tokens printed for their members.
All so far are fakes, copies or fantasy pieces. They have been made for at least 70 years by different companies. None are valuable and only have a novelty value of a few dollars.

In the 1970’s a law called “The Hobby Protection Act” that states a reproduction of a coin or note must be more than 3 times larger or smaller than the item it is depicting. If not it must have a letter R for Reproduction or the word COPY if it is closer to the original size.
So some notes produced prior to 1970 are still found without the word copy on them.

Many have been privately made issues for things like Civil War re-enactments, civic organizations and coin clubs and even educational use.
I am not able to research yours from the description you have in the question.

If there any more information you require on this question just ask.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack