68 years after its introduction, the 22nd edition of Paper Money of the United States, the standard reference work for American currencies, will be published by the Coin & Currency Institute at the end of August. In 1953, the late Robert Friedberg (1912-1963) broke new ground when the Treasury Department first approved the printing of photographs of American paper money. The 328 pages of the current issue contain notes from America’s largest currency collections as well as most of the greatest rarities, all reproduced in color.
The first edition of Paper Money of the United States also introduced other innovations that had never been tried before. The subject was standardized and the book earned a permanent place in the reference books. In the last three decades it has been completely expanded, revised and published by Arthur L. Friedberg and Ira S. Friedberg.
The 22nd edition of Paper Money of the United States, like any price catalog, is a snapshot – and with the debut of the new edition shows that the market for paper money is stable, with banknotes of great rarity or of the highest quality often setting price records for everyone Sale. All ratings have been adjusted to reflect mostly rising market conditions. These prices are given in up to seven states of preservation from very good (VG8) to gemstone uncirculated (Gem65). In addition to a new, easier-to-read format, there are also several other significant additions and revisions to the new volume, including previously unknown banknotes, which make it a necessity for every American currency collector and trader.
From the first year of federal paper money, 1861, to the present day, the front and back sides of all classes and types of currency from 3 cents to $ 10,000 are shown. These are accompanied by texts that list, describe and price all types of paper money ever issued, a total of more than 10,000 prices. With nearly 1,000 color photographs, the result is a complete pictorial, illustrative, and numismatic history of the United States currency. There are supplementary sections on continental and colonial currency (notes issued from 1680 to 1788), the Treasury Bills of the War of 1812, which some consider to be the first national currency, a comprehensive listing of the Confederate States’ issues, and sections on paper money errors, envelopes, a new section on post notes and postage stamps in sleeves. The latter three were created along with the fractional currency to alleviate the shortage of change required for trade during and after the Civil War. The list in the appendix of the 14,348 national banks that existed from 1863 to 1929 also shows the number of known notes per central bank. The appendix also contains information on uncut sheets of small notes, including the modern editions sold by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing,
Paper money collectors rely on the Friedberg Numbering System ™, a unified method of cataloging banknotes that is the international standard for American currencies. These numbering abbreviations, along with the hundreds of photos, allow anyone to find a particular banknote instantly and allow a merchant to promote a banknote without the need for a detailed description. A high-level panel of recognized paper money experts helped the authors create accurate and up-to-date ratings for all subjects.
United States paper money has been an invaluable asset to money collectors and numismatists for generations. It has a charm and value of its own, not just for lovers of Americana and fine engraving, but also for students of American history, finance, and economics. It is regarded as a groundbreaking work and is the undisputed standard work on the American currency – internationally recognized as the most comprehensive and most frequently cited manual on the subject. Banks in America and around the world will find this book particularly useful as it allows instant identification of all obsolete but still legal tender while showing the collectible value of each banknote. It is a book that belongs in every public and private library.
Sample pages from the 22nd edition can be viewed on the book’s website, www.PaperMoneyoftheUS.com.
The book is printed in the USA and is available in three formats. An inexpensive, easy-to-carry softcover version (ISBN 978-087184-522-1) costs $ 45.95. A durable hardcover with a stitched cover (ISBN 978087184-722-5) costs $ 69.95. E-book editions (ISBN 978-087184-022-6) cost $ 29.95 either on a USB stick (PC only) or as a digital download (multiple formats), where it is also available as a daily rental. The books are available or can be ordered from bookstores, coin and paper money dealers and internet booksellers. Copies are also available from the Coin & Currency Institute, PO Box 399, Williston, Vermont 05495. Shipping is free in the US. Major credit cards are accepted. Call the toll-free number 1-800-421-1866. Fax (802) 536-4787. Email: info@PaperMoneyoftheUS.com.
