Ok, guys - this is probably a dumb newbie question, but are these individuually signed and numbered ('cause they look hand-signed) or is the signature printed on them?
Printed signatures on banknotes only started making an appearance in the 1860's when they were less a counterfeiting deterrent - before then hand signed notes were most prevalent. Hand signing of paper money largely disappeared by the early 20th century - but lasted until the 1960s in Northern Ireland.
Quote from: Scottishmoney on February 06, 2010, 01:08:02 PMPrinted signatures on banknotes only started making an appearance in the 1860's when they were less a counterfeiting deterrent - before then hand signed notes were most prevalent. Hand signing of paper money largely disappeared by the early 20th century - but lasted until the 1960s in Northern Ireland.Wow! That's much later than I would have thought. Interesting, thanks for sharing.~Daniel
The last handsigned notes in the USA were the Series 1902-1908 Nationals that were issued by National Banks on up through 1927, of course some were rubber stamp signatures, a few printed, but most were handsigned by the bank officers:
One of those notes I bought when I was a teenager who spent all of his money on coins and banknotes and nothing else - such a dork then...Now I like this because of the engraving on the reverse with the water pump and the fountains:Shortly after this note was issued by the city, New York was occupied by the British and would be for the most of the rest of the war.