Confederate fifty dollar bill, September 2nd, 1861

Object/Artifact

-

St. Joseph Museums

The image depicts a historical fifty-dollar banknote from the Confederate States of America, dated September 2, 1861, with intricate designs and ornate lettering. The denomination "50" is prominently displayed in each corner, set within oval patterns. In the center is an engraved portrait of an unidentified individual in formal attire, adding a dignified presence to the note. Surrounding this portrait is an elaborate scrawl of text reading "The Confederate States of America," indicating its origin and legitimacy. Below the main text, further script reflects the currency amount and issuance details. Weathered and aged, the note shows signs of wear and staining, suggesting it has endured significant passage of time. In smaller print along the bottom are the words "For Treasurer" and "For Register," accompanied by the signature of an official, attesting to its authenticity. In the background, there is fine detailing, including numerical patterns and additional ornamental flourishes, capturing the intricate artistry typical of banknotes from that era.

The image depicts a historical fifty-dollar banknote from the Confederate States of America, dated September 2, 1861, with intricate designs and ornate lettering. The denomination "50" is prominently displayed in each corner, set within oval patterns. In the center is an engraved portrait of an unidentified individual in formal attire, adding a dignified presence to the note. Surrounding this portrait is an elaborate scrawl of text reading "The Confederate States of America," indicating its origin and legitimacy. Below the main text, further script reflects the currency amount and issuance details. Weathered and aged, the note shows signs of wear and staining, suggesting it has endured significant passage of time. In smaller print along the bottom are the words "For Treasurer" and "For Register," accompanied by the signature of an official, attesting to its authenticity. In the background, there is fine detailing, including numerical patterns and additional ornamental flourishes, capturing the intricate artistry typical of banknotes from that era.

Name/Title

Confederate fifty dollar bill, September 2nd, 1861

Entry/Object ID

2020.2.157

Description

Confederate fifty dollar bill, September 2nd, 1861. Front: "Two Years after the Ratification of a Treaty of Peace between the Confederate States and the United States", "The Confederate STATES OF AMERICA Will pay to the bearer on demand FIFTY DOLLARS", "Richmond, Feb. 17th, 1864." Portrait of Jefferson Davis centered. On either side of Davis, under the writing is green ink showing a pattern repeating "FIFTY" with a smaller "50" underneath. Bill is discolored and has significant stains. The upper left corner has been torn off and the bill has also been torn at the upper right corner and to the left of the center of the bottom edge. 7.25"lx3.25"h

Collection

Marshall White

Made/Created

Date made

1861

Lexicon

LOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials

Currency, Civil wars

Search Terms

Confederate

Legacy Lexicon

Object Name

Currency

Dimensions

Height

3-1/4 in

Length

7-1/4 in

Material

Paper

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Maintenance

Maintenance History

Date

Dec 17, 2020

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Davis, Jefferson

Provenance

Notes

Collected by: Marshall White