Hokiefan's Collection Of Arkansas Obsoletes, Scrip And National Bank Notes

I couldn't pass up this inexpensive acquisition on Heritage tonight. It's a 50 cent note from the town of Waldron, Arkansas, which is in the western part of the state between Fort Smith and Mena. The town was founded in the late 1830's by Willam Featherston. It was platted by surveyor W.P. Waldron in 1845 and named for him. It's been the county seat of Scott County since 1848, and is the birthplace of country singer Ashley McBryde.

Rothert lists James Patterson as the only merchant to issue notes in the town. They were issued in denominations of 50 cents, $1 and $2, and all are of similar design as this one. Though this example is a little rough around the edges, I'm pretty happy with the overall condition as the paper of these notes is very thin.

Wonderful find hokie. Beautiful country around there.

I picked up this rare note on a Stack's Bowers auction tonight. It's a 25c note issued by W.P. Rodgers in Kingston, Arkansas. Kingston is a small unincorporated community in northwest Arkansas, about 35 miles southwest of Harrison, with a population of 97 in 2020. The town was platted in 1853 by King Johnson and named for him, and was completely burned during the Civil War.

Rothert lists this note and a 50c note from the same issuer, but neither one has an image shown in his reference.

The note is in fairly decent condition, though the heavy ink signature of W.P. Rodgers on the back bled through to the front.


The crude vignette on the left appears to be a team of horses pulling a carriage through a wooded area, with a body of water in the background.

very nice additional notes Hoki

Thank you scopru, Dearborn and Hondo Boguss!

You have a fantastic collection of Arkansas notes! I thoroughly enjoy your posts with your new finds.

As you have discovered, Arkansas is a state that punches well above its weight in numismatic mysteries. Many, but not all, of those mysteries involve scarce Nationals or obsolete currency. Some involve trade tokens. Still others involve coins. For example, a reason 1847-O half eagles are so rare hides in Arkansas history, as well.

Enjoy the journey. You are writing history as you build the collection.

Thanks, jbuck and fortcollins!

@fortcollins, I appreciate your comments. I regret getting involved with Arkansas obsoletes and national bank notes so late, but I'm having a wonderful time acquiring these examples and learning about the history behind the merchants and towns where these come from. And, as you mention, learning a bit about these numismatic mysteries!

I only have a few Arkansas tokens, but those are also something I also keep my eye out for. And, I'll have to do a little research on the 1847-O half eagles!

@scopru, I can definitely understand that!