After the Civil War broke out in 1861, the newly established Confederate government began to issue it's own money as legal tender to the citizens of the South. The gamble was that if the South won the war, the money would be redeemable. The 1st note from the Government of the Confederate States of America was issued in April of 1861. From then on, notes were issued on through 1864. Almost every Confederate note was painstakingly hand signed and numbered. It is not uncommon for these notes to have uneven, or rough borders since scissors or shears were used to hastily cut the sheets of notes apart.

Counterfeiting became a major problem for the South. The North played a big role in this action by printing counterfeit notes and distributing them in the South causing massive inflation. As the end of the war got closer, Southern citizens lost all confidence in the Confederate currency. Bartering, and the black-market Northern "greenbacks" took over as main forms of exchange for goods and services. By the end of the war, Confederate notes were totally worthless.

Today, the value of these notes is far from worthless. Their prices range from under one hundred dollars for the most common and heavily printed series, to the tens of thousands for the rarest. Most of the heavily printed issues are still available to some extent, while the less common series are getting extremely hard to find. One thing is certain though, all Confederate currency makes as a good investment and has shown to steadily increase in value over the years.

As a collector and dealer of Confederate and Obsolete currency, I view these notes as a glimpse into a fascinating part of our nation's history. My desire to collect began when I realized the great opportunity to own currency that was once used by soldiers and civilians alike during that tragic war

Take a look through our site to find many examples of Confederate and States notes available for purchase. Whether you are an experienced collector, or just looking to obtain your first piece of paper money history, I am sure you will find something of interest. With the 150th anniversary of the Civil War just around the corner, right now makes a great time to acquire your first note, or add more notes to your collection. Thank you. - Ed Mason

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"Women of the South" featuring Lucy Pickens, the wife of Francis W. Pickens who was governor of South Carolina 1860-1862. Confederate cabinet member George Randolph rightside. Two Confederate soldiers at lower left.

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