1862 $1 Legal Tender Note *Civil War
Updated September 16, 2026
This auction ended on September 22, 2026.
See upcoming auctions from Wilson Creek Auctions LLC or current firearms & militaria auctions.
| Lot number | 281 |
| Category | Firearms & Militaria |
| Auction | Thomas's Coin Collection, & Jewelry Auction |
| Date | September 22, 2026 at 8:00 PM CDT |
| Auction house | Wilson Creek Auctions LLC |
| Location | Cornell, Wisconsin |
The 1862 $1 Legal Tender Note is an iconic piece of American history, famous for being the very first $1 bill ever issued by the United States federal government. Released during the Civil War under the Legal Tender Act of 1862 to help fund the Union's wartime debts, this "large-size" banknote is roughly 40% larger than modern currency, earning it the historical nickname of a "horse blanket" note. The "Greenback" Birth: The reverse of the note features an intricate geometric design printed in vibrant green ink, which heavily popularized the term "greenback" for U.S. paper currency.
More lots in this auction
- 1923 $1 Silver Certificate Large Note *Excellent
- Lot of 15 1963B $1 Barr Notes *2-Stars
- 1917 $2 Jefferson Legal Tender Bank Note
- 1972-S PF68 Ultra Cameo Eisenhower Silver Dollar
- 1863 U.S. $5 Civil War Note
- 1971-S PF68 Ultra Cameo Eisenhower Silver Dollar
- 1935-D $1 Silver Certificate Bank Note *Better
- 2000 Cheerios Advertising Penny
See all lots in Thomas's Coin Collection, & Jewelry Auction →