1857 $5 The Merchants Bank of Norwich (CT) Spurious Note - Haxby CT-350-S15 For Sale

1857 $5 The Merchants Bank of Norwich (CT) Spurious NotePlease take a look at my other listings HERE!Item Description:
This beautifully rare pre-Civil War $5 note is anSpurious Issue printed in the name of The Merchants Bank of Norwich, Connecticut, dated January 1st., 1857. Spurious notes were amazingly deceptive 19th-century fabrications that utilized altered or recycled plate elements to create a note for a bank that never actually issued that specific design. Interestingly, this spurious Merchants Bank design loosely resembles the genuine 1856 $5 issue from The Mercantile Bank of Hartford, Connecticut; it cleverly replaces the allegorical woman Liberty leaning on the "5" found on the Mercantile note with a prominent forward-facing, full-rigged sailing ship you see here on the right vignette. The note also features a striking top-center vignette of an early steam locomotive pulling passenger cars through the countryside while emitting dark smoke, a left-hand oval portrait of an early statesman framed in ornamental scrollwork, plate letter A, serial number 4130, and handwritten period signatures for Cashier Joel W. White and President Wm. Williams. The imprint reads Danforth & Hufty (New York & Philadelphia), and the reverse bears contemporary manuscript ink accounting annotations.
Condition Notes:
This rare specimen shows signs of heavy circulation. The note is Limp, with soft paper rigidity and central vertical folding lines typical of mid-19th-century paper money.Eye Appeal remains strong and attractive for a spurious issue, highlighted by dark, crisp engraving detail and fully intact vignette elements with simply beautiful vintage toning and sharp black contrasts. Minor Edge Roughness / Splitting and moderate corner fraying are present along the borders, alongside light margin chipping. Moderate Staining / Soiling and age toning appear across both sides, including period manuscript Graffiti on the reverse ("E. Crowther" and "Parthon") and a small ink notation ("P.M.") near the train stack; no majorPinholes, tears, adhesive repairs, hingesor Trimming are noted. Fascinating note.
Actual item pictured and sold as is. High-definition photos and video capture the exact note being shipped. Please review all media closely for details, grade, and authenticity.Note Details:

• Issuer: The Merchants Bank
  
• Location: Norwich, Connecticut
  
• Denomination: Five Dollars ($5)
  
• Date: January 1, 1857
  
• Serial Number: 4130
  
• Plate Letter: A
  
• Catalog Reference: Haxby CT-350-S15
  
• Type: Obsolete Paper Money / Spurious Banknote Issue
  
• Design Note: Loosely resembles the 1856 $5 Mercantile Bank of Hartford (replaces Lady Liberty with full-rigged ship)
  
• Printer: Danforth & Hufty, New York & Philad.
  
• Signatures: Joel W. White (Cashier) & Wm. Williams (President)
  
• Reverse: Plain back with manuscript ink signatures/dockets ("E. Crowther", "Britton")
  

Historical Background:
During the Free Banking Era, the American financial landscape was flooded with thousands of unique state bank note designs, creating ideal conditions for counterfeiters. Unlike simple forged signatures on genuine notes, "spurious" bank notes were complete fabrications—often borrowing design structures from neighboring institutions (such as adapting layout elements from the 1856 Mercantile Bank of Hartford note) to pass off invalid currency onto an unsuspecting public. The Merchants Bank of Norwich was chartered in 1833, making this 1857 spurious issue a fascinating artifact of anti-counterfeiting history and wildcat-era commerce.Hard to find, Spurious issues from Connecticut banks are highly collectible, especially those featuring popular 19th-century topical vignettes like steam locomotives and sailing ships alongside documented design connections to other state issues. This 1857 $5 Merchants Bank note offers fantastic historical crossover appeal for collectors of obsolete currency, railroad paper money, and contemporary banking frauds. Its rich character, clear engravings, and period endorsements make it an excellent addition to any obsolete note Shipping Policy:
REDUCED Shipping Costs! As a frequent buyer myself, I know how frustrating inflated shipping costs can be. When postage costs are rising, I will cover a portion of the shipping costs with you so you can have peace of mind to offer the value of the item, sit back and I’ll handle the rest.

• Cost: Just $3.99 flat fee for Domestic US Shipping only. (Yes, I will combine shipping on multiple items.)
  
• Carrier: Shipped via USPS (Ground Advantage) 2-5 Business Days!
  
• Tracking: Always included so you can follow your note from my door to yours.
  
• Handling: Professionally packaged in a rigid archival sleeve and shipped within one business day.
  

offer with Confidence:The video and pictures provided are of the actual item you will receive. Check out my 100% Positive response. Iroquois Coin and Notes is a Highly-Rated Seller, which means we are one of 's most reputable sellers—consistently delivering outstanding customer service. My goal is to provide high-quality items at fair prices while exceeding your service expectations, so you can shop at my store with complete confidence!
Happy offerding & Good Luck!