(St. Louis, M.T.) - Robert Simpson, \"at the St. Louis Post Office\" 12-1/2 Cents Nov. 30, (Ca. 1816). PCGS Very Good 10 Apparent. This is an extraordinary Missouri territorial period scrip note and historic document. We believe it is the earliest St. Louis printed scrip note, but there is no written or engraved year. Though diminutive in size, it is the earliest St. Louis Post Office currency known and has a crisply penned signature of Robert Simpson, postmaster from 1815 to 1818. Simpson was appointed to the position by President Madison on January 1, 1815. Dr. Simpson, owner of the first drug store in St. Louis, was one of the directors of the first or \"old\" Bank of St. Louis, sheriff of St. Louis County, director of St. Louis and Bellevue Mineral Railroad, and treasurer of Boatmen's Bank. According to Stevens, in St. Louis, the Fourth City, page 588, \"In his more active years it was said of him that he knew personally everybody living in St. Louis and most of the people in the county.\" He was succeeded by Aaron T. Crane, whose issued notes from the post office are cataloged here and in previous Newman Collection sales. A small format note printed on white rag paper without imprint. Not bordered. Along the top is the written serial number \"8\" with \"---12 1-2 cents ---\" and written date (without year). The obligation across states: \"Twelve and a half-cents, in cash or current / Bank notes, will be given for this note at the / St. Louis Post Office.\" Signed at lower right by Simpson. There is no written year, but Eric P. Newman considers this an 1816 issue. Proving the exact date is not necessarily essential; the fact that it is the earliest Missouri Territory postal issued note is substantial. Noted by grading with \"Edge and Internal Splits and Tears; Pieces Missing; Minor Mounting Remnants on Back.\" Though there are listed faults, this is priceless. The estimate might be conservative as this note appears to be irreplaceable. We know of no other, and this is a foundational St. Louis currency note. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society \n\n
From Newman VIII (Heritage Auctions, 11/2017), lot 28346, realized $528. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.
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