Banknotes, Checks, Scrip, and more… | Collecting Vintage Saegertown and Meadville

This page contains obsolete currency, banknotes, checks, bank drafts, sight drafts, receipts, stock certificates, scrip, bonds and more, from our local area and around Pennsylvania.

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Here is the front of a Pennsylvania Colonial 5 shillings note, printed by B. Franklin and D. Hall in 1764.

Here is the back of a Pennsylvania Colonial 5 shillings note, printed by B. Franklin and D. Hall in 1764.

Here is the front of a Pennsylvania Colonial 10 shillings note, printed by Hall and Sellers in 1773.

Here is the back of a Pennsylvania Colonial 10 shillings note, printed by Hall and Sellers in 1773.

Here is the front of a Pennsylvania Colonial 15 shillings note, printed by Hall and Sellers in 1773.

Here is the back of a Pennsylvania Colonial 15 shillings note, printed by Hall and Sellers in 1773.

This article, warning about counterfeit banknotes, appeared in the Boston Gazette newspaper, January 18, 1802. Counterfeiting was all too common in the early days.

From the North Western Bank of Pennsylvania, Meadville: here are two bearer notes (banknotes) for two dollars (1817) and five dollars (1815). This was the first bank in this region.

Here is a draft from the Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania to the Treasurer of Vernon Common School, Crawford County, Pa. It is the state appropriation for the school year 1845.

obsolete Crawford County Treasurer notes — Here are two notes from The Treasurer of Crawford County, Pennsylvania. The top note is an unused 1860s sight draft. The bottom note is an 1863 Five Dollar scrip note.

This vignette was printed by the American Banknote Company. You can see it in the Bank of Crawford County two-dollar notes shown below.

Here are two large, obsolete banknotes from the Bank of Crawford County, Meadville, Pa. They are both one-dollar currency, 1861. The top note is plain and the bottom note has a green overprint.

Bank of Crawford County obsolete two dollar banknote Meadville, Pa. and bank check — Here are two large, obsolete banknotes from the Bank of Crawford County, Meadville, Pa. They are both two-dollar currency, 1861. The top note is plain and the bottom note has a green overprint.

Bank of Crawford County two obsolete five dollar banknotes Meadville, Pa. — Here are two large five dollar banknotes from the Bank of Crawford County, Meadville, Pa. The top note (with Washington’s bust) is from 1862 and the bottom note (with a bust of James Buchanan) is 1861.

Here are two more items from the Bank of Crawford County, Meadville, Pa. On top is a large, obsolete ten-dollar banknote, 1862 currency with a red overprint. On the bottom is a check, 1867.

This is a receipt from the Crawford County Central Agricultural Society, at Meadville, Pa., permitting Rufus Smith to exhibit for the year 1860, having paid his 50 cents. It has nice local signatures.

Two notes from the Treasurer of the Borough of Meadville, Pa. December 15, 1862 in the 5 and 50-cent denominations.

Here is the 10 cent note that goes with the last two notes shown, from the Borough of Meadville, Pa. Dec. 15, 1862.

Here is the June 6, 1857 issue of “Thompson’s Bank Note and Commercial Reporter”.

Thompson’s Bank Note and Commercial Reporter was an invaluable reference for bankers and other businessmen. It has long lists, that describe the banknotes issued by the banks around the U.S., Canada, and the territories. It describes known counterfeit notes. It reports the latest banking news, such as the deaths of prominent bankers, new capital expenditures and it has many pages listing the individual banks’ rates of discount. It has the latest, commercial, stock, and wholesale prices (commodities). It also lists private bankers, and has a list of “Broken, Closed and Worthless Banks”. At the back of this issue, it has seven pages illustrating foreign coins. You could subscribe to this publication weekly, semi-monthly or monthly.

Front of a large, 1882 series National Banknote, from The New First National Bank of Meadville, Pa,

Back of a large, 1882 series National Banknote, from The New First National Bank of Meadville, Pa,

Here are two Large National Banknotes of the 1902 series, from The New First National Bank, Meadville, Pa. in the ten and twenty dollar denominations.

Here are two 1929 series, Banknotes from The New First National Bank of Meadville, Pa. in the 10 and 20 dollar denominations. Both are type 1 notes.

Here are two items from The New First National Bank of Meadville, Pa. The top item is a check dated May 5, 1916. The bottom item is a promissory note that is dated April 15, 1924.

This goes along with the banknotes, etc. Here is a New First National Bank ad that appeared in the Pennsylvania Farmer newspaper, printed in Meadville, Pa. on February 2, 1911.

Two obsolete 1929 national banknotes First National Bank of Meadville, Pa. ten and twenty dollars — Here are two obsolete 1929 series national banknotes from the First National Bank of Meadville, Pa., in the ten and twenty dollar denominations. This bank was originally The New First National Bank. See above. These are both type 1 notes.

Here is another First National Bank of Meadville, Pa. ten-dollar series 1929 national currency note. This note is a type 2 note. Type 2 notes have the bank identification number (in this case 4938) printed in brown beside the serial number.

Two obsolete ten dollar national banknotes New First National Bank of Meadville, Pa. reverse side — Here is a large 1902 series 20- dollar National banknote from the Merchants National Bank of Meadville, Pa.

Two obsolete 1929 ten dollar national banknotes of Meadville, Pa. Merchants National Bank and Merchants National Bank and Trust Company — Here are two series 1929 National Currency banknotes from The Merchants National Bank of Meadville, Pa. in the 10 and 20 dollar denominations. Both of these notes are the type 1 notes.

Here are two series 1929 National Currency banknotes from The Merchants National Bank and Trust Company of Meadville, Pa. in the 10 and 20 dollar denominations. Both are type 1 notes.

1892 Merchants National Bank of Meadville, Pa. No. 871. Bank form: “I enclose for remittance in New York Exchange.”

Here are two one-dollar scrip notes from the Mercer and Meadville Turnpike Road Company, Mercer, Pa. 1819.

Here is another 1819 Mercer and Meadville Turnpike scrip note for 2 dollars (same style as the top note in the last image).

Here are three scrip notes from the Susquehanna & Waterford Turnpike Road Company. The first note is Meadville, Pa. 1825. The other two later notes from 1858 and 1859, have Meadville crossed off, and were changed to Franklin, Pa.

Here is the front of a scrip note from George T. Wilson, Jeweler, Meadville, Pa. He opened for business in 1874.

Here is the back of the scrip note from George T. Wilson, Jeweler, Meadville, Pa. He opened for business in 1874.

These two items are both from the First National Bank of Saegertown, Pa. The top 10 dollar large national currency banknote is the 1902 series. The bottom check is dated July 5, 1923.

First National Bank of Saegertown, Pa. 1929 national banknote and bank check. — Here are two 1929 series National Currency Banknotes from The First National Bank of Saegertown, Pa. in the 10 and 20 dollar denominations. All Saegertown banknotes are scarce.

Here are two more checks from the First National Bank of Saegertown, Pa. The top check is circa. 1920s. The bottom check is July 16, 1923.

Here are two examples of checks from Slocum, Deichman & Co. Bankers, Saegertown, Pa. They are dated March 12, 1907 and December 16, 1907.

Combined image showing both the outside and inside of a promotional item from W. W. Deichman & Co., Saegertown, Penn. See text below.

We can see in the next to the last (right) image above, that in 1907, there was a banking firm of Slocum, Deichman & Co. Bankers in Saegertown, Pa. The promotional item in the last image above, shows that by 1915, it had changed to W. W. Deichman & Co.

The top item, is a bank draft between the Central National Bank , New York and the First National Bank, Meadville, Pa. 1872. The bottom item is a check from the First National Bank, Meadville, Pa. 1877.

This five cent revenue stamp is rubber stamped: J. R. Dick & CO. JAN 20 1864 MEADVILLE, PA. In addition, you can see J.R. Dick & Co. checks, promissory note and newspaper ad below.

The top (altered) check is from J.R. Dick, Banker, 1863. The bottom check is from J.R. Dick & Co., Bankers, 1882. Both are Meadville, Pa.

Here is a bank form dated 1888 and a one thousand dollar promissory note, put through the office of J.R. Dick & Co., Meadville, Pa. Dec. 21, 1863.

Here is a Banking House of J.R. Dick & Co. ad that appeared in the Crawford Journal newspaper, printed in Meadville, Pa. August 16, 1877.

Here is a Delamater & Co., Bankers ad that appeared in the Crawford Journal newspaper, printed in Meadville, Pa. August 16, 1877.

1947 promotional ink blotter from Merchant’s National Bank and Trust Company (Meadville, Pa.) – In Our 82nd Year.

Here are two checks from Merchants’ National Bank, Meadville, Pa. The top check is 1866 and the bottom (altered) check is 1871.

Here is a check from Meadville Savings bank, Meadville, Pa. 1871 and Crawford County Trust Company, Meadville, Pa. circa. 1920s.

1891 College Currency check from the Meadville Business College. See text below.

In the late 1800’s, many business colleges across America used college currency checks, banknotes, stamps, etc. to give their students a hands-on experience. The Meadville Business College, affiliated with Bryant & Straton, also participated. Above is a Flour City Bank check (in College Currency) Meadville, Pa. July 16, 1891.

Here is a sight draft from the Atlantic and Great Western Railway Co. Meadville, PA. March 3, 1868.

Here are two sight drafts from the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad, Meadville, Pa. from 1872 and 1879.

Here is a Crawford County Trust Company ad that appeared in the Pennsylvania Farmer newspaper, Meadville, Pa. on February 2, 1911.

Here is a People’s Savings Bank. ad that appeared in the Crawford Journal newspaper, printed in Meadville, Pa. August 16, 1877.

Here is a Meadville Savings Bank. ad that appeared in the Crawford Journal newspaper, printed in Meadville, Pa. August 16, 1877.

This is a check from J. L. & A. Kelly, Bankers, dated 1882. Cambridgeboro, Pa. (Became Cambridge Springs, Pa. in 1897.)

This interesting check, with an unusual motif, is from the Corry Hide & Fur Company, Corry, Pa., March 26, 1912.

Here is a United States Post Office Townville, Pennsylvania check, through their account at Farmers Bank, Townville, Pa. 9-18-1920. Signed by prominent local figure, Ernest Dale Mallinee.

Here are two slightly different styled checks from The Grange National Bank, Spartansburg, Pa. 1932. Since this was a smaller bank, today, the banknotes they issued, are scarce.

This Commercial Bank sight draft from Titusville, Pa., is from the Pennsylvania Parraffine Works, to the Local Treasurer of the D.L.& W.R.R.Co., dated 1908.

Here is a sight draft of the Pittsburgh, Titusville & Buffalo Railway Co. dated in Oil City, Oct. 29, 1879.

Here is a sight draft from A.D. Miller’s Sons Co. (an oil refinery). Signed Jan. 8, 1912 at Allegheny City, Pa.

This Apr. 19, 1907 Oil City Trust Co. sight draft, has a circular rubber stamp on the front, dated May 1, 1907, from the DELAWARE, LACKAWANNA & WESTERN RAIL ROAD CO. (TREASURERS OFFICE). The sight draft’s signature, has a rubber stamp that says Germania Refining Co., Mgr.

This sight draft is from the Office of Superintendent of Transportation Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Dated October 28, 1878, Altoona, Pa. There is a rubber stamp on the back that says J. M. & I. RAILROAD CASHIER’S OFFICE Oct. 31, 1878 PAID PENNSYLVANIA COMPANY.

From the Pennsylvania Company, we have a time draft. Dated in Pittsburgh, February 2, 1874. Made out to Tate Munden & Tate, to be paid four months after the date on the time draft. We haven’t seen too many time drafts.

Here are two sight drafts from The Pennsylvania Company, Pittsburgh. The top draft, 1883, has a rubber stamp: PENNA. CO. opr. C.&P.R.R. The bottom draft, 1873, says: operating the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway.

From Conneaut Lake Park, here are two Midway Hotel checks from the 1950s. They are both from The First National Bank, Conneaut Lake, Pa.

From L.D. Sousa Real Estate, Conneaut Lake, Pa. First National bank. The top check says of Conneaut Lake, Pa. The bottom one says of Meadville, Pa.

Here is a 1947 check from R.T. Silverton Agency. It is from The First National Bank, Conneaut Lake, Pa,

Here are two checks from The Farmers National Bank of Conneautville, Pa. Both are dated 1953.

Here is a check from The Exchange Bank & Trust Co., Franklin. Pa. It is dated May 2, 1935.

This 1914 bank draft between banks, was from Mercer, Pa. It is from the First National Bank

Here is a sight draft dated Oct. 27, 1913, from the prominent Banking House of R.S. Battles, Girard, Pa.

This is a claim form from Perley’s National Claim Agency, Erie, Pa. for Civil War veterans. Filled out and witnessed, this could be submitted for a pension or bounty.

After the Civil War, the U.S. Sanitary Commission Army and Navy, Claim Agency, set up agents around the country, where veterans could apply for pensions or bounties. A surviving broadside from that era gives the details. It says: ENTITLED TO PENSIONS. Invalid Soldiers and Seamen, Widows, Minor Children, Dependent Mothers, and Orphan Sisters, under sixteen years of age, of Soldiers and Seamen, in the order they are named. ENTITLED TO BOUNTY. Soldiers and Seamen discharged on account of wounds received; those who have served two years or more; Widows of Soldiers and Seamen, and their children; Fathers, Mothers, Brothers, and Sisters in the order named, if residents of the United States. We show Perley’s claim form above, and below, we show the top of a full-page ad that appeared in an Erie, Pa. promotional booklet titled: All Over Town – Holiday Season 1868-69. This ad, also mentions compensation for horses killed in action.

The top of Perley’s ad, described in the text above.

1864 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Pay and Mileage voucher, signed by the Speaker of the House, Henry C. Johnson.

Born: March 29, 1826, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pa. In 1844 Henry C. Johnson became editor and publisher of The Crawford County Democratic Republican newspaper (for one year). He married the former Mary Magill on January 14, 1845. He passed the bar, practiced law in Crawford County and was elected District Attorney of Crawford County, Pa. from October 1856 to October 1859. Following the firing on Fort Sumpter, President Lincoln asked for volunteers. By the end of April 1861, Captain Henry C. Johnson briefly led a Meadville Volunteers Company of 95 men. $3,000 was raised to outfit the company and assist their families. This command left Meadville for Pittsburgh, May 7, 1861. He was elected State Representative in 1863 and again in 1864 (2 terms). He was elected the 84th Speaker of the House in 1864. Johnson was re-elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 1870 session. On April 7, 1874, President Grant appointed Johnson Commissioner of Customs. He received 2 subsequent reappointments from President Rutherford B. Hayes and President Chester A. Arthur, keeping the position from 1874-1885. Died: June 3, 1892, Meadville, Crawford County, Pa.: Buried in Greendale Cemetery, Meadville, Pa.

The left image below shows a souvenir promotional booklet and the back of a Clark’s Business College scrip note. The booklet is Souvenir Erie, Penna. 1892. This 36-page booklet contains historical information about Erie, Pa., and lots of business ads. The entire inside of the front cover is an ad for Clark’s Business College (established 1883 – incorporated 1890) in the new Downing Building, corner of Ninth and State Streets. Tucked inside the booklet were two scrip notes from Clark’s Business College. The front of one of the scrip notes is shown in the right image below.

Souvenir booklet and back of the scrip note described above.

Front of Clark’s Business College scrip note described above.

Sight draft from Argyle Savings Bank, Petrolia, Pa. Dated June 12, 1875. At about the peak of Petrolia’s oil boom.

These two sight drafts from the Erie Dime Savings & Loan Company, Erie, Pa., are from 1894 and 1895.

Woodcock, Crawford County, Pa. scrip note. See text below.

This 5 cent scrip note was sent to a resident in Woodcock, Crawford County, Pa. in 1902. It was to be used at the local store in Woodcock, which was C. Schuttz. To see a picture of the Schultz Store visit our More Local Post Cards Page.

Erie, Pa. depression era scrip note. See text below.

This March 10, 1933, $5.00 depression era scrip note is from Erie, Pa. The back says “This order may be used in payment of bills, the purchase of goods, or other transactions, in Erie Pennsylvania. It will not be acceptable exchange for U.S. currency but will be accepted for deposit at any bank in Erie, Pennsylvania. NOT GOOD AFTER 90 DAYS.” This note is rubber stamped by Central Branch Security Peoples Trust Company of Erie, Pa.

Two checks from 1872. The top one is from Grandin Brothers Bankers, Tidioute, Pa. and the bottom check is from People’s Savings Bank, Tidioute, Pa. The bottom check is missing the revenue stamp. The top check has the stamp printed on.

Here is a Lehigh County Poor House check, made out to Charles Saeger, Esq. Treasurer of the Poor and House of Employment, Lehigh County, Pa. July 2, 1849. It was re-imbursement for paying a local bridge toll.

On top is a really nice 10-dollar post note from The Philadelphia and Reading Rail Road Company, 1842. On the bottom is a large obsolete one-dollar banknote from Farmers Bank of Bucks County, Bristol, Pa. 1841.

Here are two small 1929 series National Banknotes from the First National Bank at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the five and ten dollar denominations. Both of them are type 2 of the 1929 national currency series.

This is a 6 percent bond issued by the City of Philadelphia on March 11, 1859. Signed by the City Controller and the City Treasurer, it also has a rubber stamp that says “LOAN TO NORTH PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD CO.”

Here is a Crawford County Trust Company, Meadville Co-operative Association check, dated January 2, 1945.

Here is a stock certificate, for 1 share of Meadville Co-Operative Association stock, dated (on the back) January 2, 1945.

This is an Enterprise Building and Loan Association of Meadville, Crawford Co., Pa. stock certificate. Signed in Meadville, Pa. September 17, 1873.

This stock certificate of The Sharon Railway, was signed in Meadville, Pa. on October 26, 1880.

Stock Certificate from the Paragon Oil Can Company, Meadville, Pa. Signed in Meadville, Pa. October 5, 1891.

Unused Erie Oil and Gas stock certificate. Circa. 1920. See description immediately below.

Both the Erie Oil and Gas Company stock certificate, shown above, and The Crawford Oil and Gas Company stock certificate, shown below left, say signed “at Meadville, Pa.” (one is signed and one isn’t). Both were incorporated under the laws of the state of West Virginia, but on the backs of the certificates, the printing says “Erie Oil and Gas Company Meadville, Penna.” and “The Crawford Oil & Gas Company Meadville, Penna.”

Stock certificate from The Crawford Oil and Gas Company. It is for ten shares of capital stock and was signed at Meadville,Pa. the 16th day of June 1919.

Here is an unused stock certificate of the Glendale Oil Company, Crawford County, Pa. Issued in Philadelphia, Pa. during the mid to late 1800’s.

Here is a Phoenix Oil & Land Company stock certificate circa. 1870s, from Titusville, Pa.

This is an unused stock certificate from the Pithole & Kanawha Oil Company. Issued from Philadelphia, Pa., circa. 1860s. Pithole was located in Venango County.

Here is an unused stock certificate from The Morrison Farm Oil Company. The oil property was located in Venango County, Pa. circa. 1860s

The Lancaster and Ephrata Turnpike and Plank Road Co. stock certificate, with the purchaser’s receipt. Signed March 18, 1857.

Second & Third Street Passenger Railway Co. of Philadelphia stock certificate. Signed in Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 1, 1901. Incorporated April 10th 1858.

Here is a Meadville Telephone Company specimen mortgage bond. It has all its coupons. Circa. 1941.

Non-Pennsylvania

This little scrip note doesn’t fit our collection, but it is interesting and rare enough to be included. It only measures, less than an inch tall by less than 1 7/8 inches long. Made by the “HAMILTON BANK NOTE ENG. & PTG. CO. N.Y.” It is for: One Fare on the Washington Railway & Electric Company, District of Columbia.

Front of the Washington Railway & Electric Company mini-srip note (ticket).

Back of the Washington Railway & Electric Company mini-srip note (ticket).

Just for fun. Serious long-time collectors know that sometimes, in order to get an item you want for your collection, you may have to buy a group of items. These extra, related items, may become unofficial members of the main collection because they are interesting in their own way. Here are some of the extra banknotes that we have acquired over the years.

Front of a 1902 ten-dollar bill, from the Chatham and Phenix National Bank of the City of New York.

Back of a 1902 ten-dollar bill, from the Chatham and Phenix National Bank of the City of New York.

Front of two one-dollar silver certificates, series 1928 and 1957.

Back of two one-dollar silver certificates, series 1928 and 1957.

Front of two two-dollar U.S. notes. A series 1953 United States Note and a series 1976 Federal Reserve Note.

Back of two two-dollar U.S. notes. A series 1953 United States Note and a series 1976 Federal Reserve Note.

Front of a series 1928 five-dollar United States Note, and a series 1934 ten-dollar Silver Certificate.

Back of a series 1928 ten-dollar United States Note, and a series 1934 ten-dollar Silver Certificate.

Front of two five-dollar U.S. notes. A series 1953 Silver Certificate and a series 1963 United States Note.

Back of two five-dollar U.S. notes. A series 1953 Silver Certificate and a series 1963 United States Note.

Front of a series 1928 twenty-dollar Gold Certificate and a series 1934 twenty-dollar HAWAII Federal Reserve Note

Back of a series 1928 twenty-dollar Gold Certificate and a series 1934 twenty-dollar HAWAII Federal Reserve Note

Here is a related item. See text for description.

Here’s an interesting, related item, that few people get to see. They are sometimes refered to as Paper Money Brick Labels. These are two sets of boards used to protect brand new Federal Reserve notes during shipment. In this case the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank is shipping groups of 4,000 one-dollar bills to a banking center. One label says: “CLEVELAND PKG NO. 2711 4,000 FEDERAL RESERVE NOTES SERIES 1981 A 1’S $4,000 BEGINNING SERIAL NO. D10840001B.

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