Archives International Auctions - Auction 110 January 20, 2026

Introduction to the Sale Foreword On behalf of the entire Archives International Auctions team, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our 110th auction and our first major event of 2026. This one-day sale presents 681 carefully curated lots spanning U.S., Chinese, and worldwide banknotes; scripophily; U.S. colonial and fiscal documents; historic ephemera; and security printing material, along with additional outstanding offerings from the renowned Silverton Collection of Colorado and Western Stocks and Bonds. Many of the items featured originate from long-held private collections and estates, with a significant number making their first appearance at public auction. The auction offers a broad and well-balanced selection across multiple collecting categories. Included are approximately 150 lots of world banknotes; 78 lots of U.S. colonial, obsolete, and early issues; more than 30 lots of U.S. small-size notes, including National Bank Notes, Federal Reserve Notes, Legal Tenders, and Silver Certificates; and over 37 lots of histor- ic and security-printing ephemera, including traveler’s checks, stamps, and postal history. The sale concludes with an impressive 370 lots of U.S. and world scripophily, with particular strength in mining, railroads, and banking and finance, highlighted by further selections from the Silverton Collection. Among the featured highlights is an exceptional three-note specimen set from the first 1935 issue of the Bank of Canada, comprising the $2, $5, and $10 English-text notes. Also offered are extremely rare National Bank of Croatia 2001 and 2002 specimen sets, including three “Top Pop” examples. Additional highlights include a striking quartet of Banco Central de México “Bono de Caja” specimen notes in 500 and 1,000 pesos; a desirable group of twelve different Louisiana and Mississippi obsolete scrip notes from an old-time collection, never previously offered at auction; and a trio of 1860s obsolete notes from The First National Oyster Bank of Monaskon, Virginia. The small-size currency section includes thirty notes, among them seven different National Bank Notes from New York. Throughout the sale are dozens of attractive banknotes, proof vignettes, production files, and security-printed sample material. Historic and security-printing ephemera ranges from railroad and advertising material to postcards, proof and specimen documents, vignettes, and related artifacts. A notable highlight is a Washington, November 16, 1863, U.S. Colored Troops Civil War officer appointment signed by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Collectors will also find an exciting and rarely offered group of Farley Special Printings, including uncut press sheets of the 1934 1¢ and 3¢ National Parks souvenir sheets, Admiral Byrd souvenir sheets, and both Chicago Century of Progress issues. These ungummed sheets, consisting of nine to twenty-five souvenir sheets per page, seldom survive intact, as many were historically cut into gutter blocks and smaller multiples. The auction concludes with an extensive offering of automobile, banking, mining, railroad, and miscellaneous group lots. The mining section alone comprises nearly 160 lots, featuring the largest single offering of rare Western mining certificates we have ever presented, including fifteen territorial issues from Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona, alongside sixty railroad certificates and numerous other scarce and desirable pieces. Our 111th auction is planned for mid to late February and will feature additional selections of banknotes, scripophily, coins, ephemera, and historic bonds and shares from major estates, many unseen for decades. We are actively accepting consignments for our Winter and Spring 2026 sales. We sincerely thank you for your continued interest and support. We hope this auction brings you both enjoyment and meaningful additions to your collection, and we wish you continued health, happiness, and success in the New Year. Best of luck, Bob Schwartz