Are These Civil War Era Notes And How Do I Find Out If They Are Real

They are "civil war era" in design, but yes, these are replicas.

By far the easiest way to check for authenticity is to run the serial number past one of numerous lists of known fake serial numbers; the replica-makers usually use the same note each time (usually one from a museum collection), as they're not really trying to fool a collector. I believe the Crutchfield's Currency list is the oldest such list on the Internet and the one I usually go to.

I am also familiar with these particular notes. They are sold in sets of replica notes in Washington DC and at nearby civil-war-related tourist sites. My dad bought me a set when he visited the area a couple of decades ago. They came in an envelope proudly announcing that although they were replicas, the notes "look old and even feel old"; the paper had been artificially aged using acetic acid. When I first obtained them, mine still had a strong vinegar-like smell.

to the CCF, SlayThatSquats

Many genuine Civil War era notes had printed signatures that were inscribed on the plate. Here's pair of original "shinplasters" or scrip notes to illustrate the point. One was punch-cancelled upon redemption. Note the matching, printed signatures ....




@Matthew79 .... To me, the easiest way to tell that your notes are replicas is the paper. It's such that a blind man could tell by the feel. This coarse, orange-colored to look aged paper, that virtually crackles when handled is much less flimsy than that used on original notes of the era. These replicas largely date back to the 1960-70's and were sold in packets at historical sites. They can still be found as such, but the paper is slightly more original looking.