Facsimile $500 Confederate States of America Note (T-64 Variant Reproduction)
Paper Ephemera / Historical Facsimile (Not Silver) · Unknown commercial printer of historical reproductions; these are commonly produced for gift shops, museums, and educational sets by companies like Historical Documents Co.
Pattern: Seventh Issue, February 17, 1864 Series reproduction
Type
Paper Ephemera / Historical Facsimile (Not Silver)
Maker
Unknown commercial printer of historical reproductions; these are commonly produced for gift shops, museums, and educational sets by companies like Historical Documents Co.
Material
Artificially aged/tanned paper. Contains zero silver or precious metal content.
Dimensions
Standard currency size (approx. 7 x 3 inches), negligible weight.
Description
This item is a printed reproduction of a Confederate States of America $500 treasury note. It features typical lithographic imagery of the period, including General Jackson. The paper has been treated to look 'antique' through browning and crinkling, but it lacks the fine detail and hand-inked signatures of original currency.
Key Features
Bold 'COPY' stamp on the bottom left; unnaturally dark brown 'parchment' style paper; lack of authentic watermarks or serial ink penetration.
Material & Composition
Artificially aged/tanned paper. Contains zero silver or precious metal content.
Finish & Decoration
Printed black ink on chemically treated, crinkled brown paper to simulate aged vellum or thin parchment. Features 1864 Confederative seal and portrait of Lt. Gen. T.J. 'Stonewall' Jackson.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Contains a prominent 'COPY' stamp in the lower-left corner, mandated by the Hobby Protection Act for reproductions.
Construction Details
Modern offset or mechanical printing on artificially brittle paper; does not possess the high-quality engraving of period 19th-century bank notes.
Functional Features
None; educational or decorative souvenir use only.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A
Craftsmanship Details
Low-fidelity mechanical print. Fine lines in the engraving are blurred compared to authentic period bank-note engraving.
Authentication Indicators
The 'COPY' mark is the primary indicator of a modern facsimile. Authentic notes from 1864 were printed on much thinner, lighter-colored 'rice' paper and did not have this stamp.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in the USA as part of a historical souvenir set.
Era & Period
Modern reproduction (late 20th to 21st century) of a Civil War era (1864) design.
Age Estimate
Modern, likely produced within the last 30-40 years based on the 'COPY' stamp and paper texture.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fiscal history of the CSA and modern interest in Civil War collectibles, though the item itself holds no intrinsic historical value.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. The paper is intentionally distressed and crinkled, but shows significant wear, folding, and potential moisture staining. Brittle appearance is characteristic of treated replica paper.
Value Estimate
Nominal value; typically sold for $1.00 - $5.00 as a novelty item.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry and away from direct sunlight; however, as a common reproduction, professional conservation is not required.
Similar Pieces
Original 1864 T-64 notes (highly valuable); different denominations of gift-shop replicas (often found in sets).
Interesting Facts
The $500 note was the highest denomination of the 1864 series. Reproductions like this were often sold in 'crumpled' packs at museum gift shops for a few dollars.