Commercial Bank $2

1993 Reprint From the American Paper Money Collection Series

The original 1866 version of this Bristol bank’s note is cataloged as Durand 73, Haxby RI-30 G28a, Bowers W-RI-070-002-G120.

This modern reprint, on heavy, acid-free paper, was created using plates made from the original dies. It has been removed from an album sold by the American Banknote Company in the 1990s.

The leatherette album consisted of notes from 36 states, each with a description written by numismatist Gene Hessler. It was sold by subscription at $14.75 per note and $531 per set, according to Ken Barr’s website.

Like souvenir cards, the modern, thicker paper is one indication that this is not a 19th-century printer’s proof. It is not on thin India paper and the overall look lacks the sharply-detailed design and vibrant ink of antique banknotes.

While an original proof might sell for more than a $1,000 at auction, examples such as these can cost as little as $10 today.

Page 13 of the American Paper Money Collection album, featuring the Bristol’s Commercial Bank $2 note.

Using the ABNCo archives, Gene Hessler was able to explore the origins of the banknote’s design. Sir Edward Landseer’s 1836 painting of the dog at bottom left was entitled, Odin. Odin was the mastiff-bloodhound owned by William Russell, Accountant-General of the British Court of Chancery, who was murdered by his valet in 1840.