1860s Currency

One of the most striking vignettes on Civil War era United States currency depicts Hernando de Soto’s legendary 1541 arrival at the Mississippi River, an image that appeared on multiple denominations and note types during the 1860s. Understanding the history behind this engraving, which bank note companies used it, and where to find it today gives collectors a richer appreciation for the artistry and symbolism embedded in antebellum and wartime American paper money.