US Notes

Manifest Destiny on Paper: How 19th Century US Currency Depicted Westward Expansion from Covered Wagons to Pacific Railroads

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing turned America’s most ambitious national narrative into finely engraved vignettes on Demand Notes, Legal Tender Notes, and National Bank Notes between the 1860s and 1890s. Understanding these images transforms ordinary 19th century currency into windows onto the ideology that shaped a continent.

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The Landing of Columbus Vignette on National Bank Notes: Art, History, and Placement

Few images in American currency history carry the symbolic weight of the Landing of Columbus vignette, a dramatic scene that appeared on some of the most collectible National Bank Notes ever issued. This guide explores the artistic origins, engraving history, and specific note types where collectors can find this iconic image today.

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Ships, Trains, and Industry: Transportation Vignettes on 19th Century US Currency

The steam engines, sailing vessels, and industrial scenes engraved onto 19th century US banknotes tell a fascinating story about American ambition and technological pride. This guide decodes the specific vignettes, their catalog identifications, and what they mean for collectors hunting these magnificent pieces today.

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