Alton, IL - Alton & St. Louis Packet Co. 5 Cents Undated (Ca. 1850-60s). PCGS Very Fine 30. This alluring and extremely rare southern Illinois transportation scrip is the first we have cataloged. Appropriately collected with St. Louis and Missouri notes. Though it does not have an imprint, its high quality suggests the note was printed in St. Louis. It is also undated; however, its style appears to be late 1850s or early 1860s, which corresponds with the time-frame of the signature on the note. At the center, a cargo-laden steamboat in three-quarter view travels away from the town toward the viewer; a large tree limb in the water ahead adds to the narrative of daily encounters with nature on the river. Counters are in the upper corners. The obligation is: \"GOOD FOR FIVE CENTS/ For balance due.\" The note is boldly signed by W. H Reid as secretary. William Henry Reid, age 18, came to Alton in 1858 to work at the bank. His industriousness as a bank employee led to a new position at the packet company where he was responsible for the freight and passengers on the line. Reid was in charge when the young Prince of Wales (later Edward VII, ascending as King after the long reign of Victoria) traveled from Alton to St. Louis on one of the firm's boats. During the Civil War, these boats carried Union munitions as well as passengers and freight. This example is in superb grade for a scrip note that would have circulated heavily. These notes were used for fares, freight payments, and most importantly, to make change from larger banknotes and drafts in circulation. Southern Illinois note rarities like this have been actively pursued in prior Newman Collection sales. A very stylish type. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society \n\n
From Newman VIII (Heritage Auctions, 11/2017), lot 28212, realized $1800. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.
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