1850s $3 Connecticut Norfolk PMG 66 EPQ Bank Remainder Note Gem Uncirculated

1850s $3 Connecticut Norfolk PMG 66 EPQ Bank Remainder Note Gem Uncirculated

A remarkable and historically intriguing example of pre–Civil War American currency, this $3 Remainder Note from the Norfolk Bank of Connecticut (circa 1850s) is both visually stunning and numismatically rare. Graded PMG 66 EPQ (Gem Uncirculated), it displays Exceptional Paper Quality and immaculate preservation—a superb representative of New England’s obsolete banknote design tradition.

The note’s engraving is an exquisite work by Danforth, Wright & Co., among the most respected American banknote printers of the era. The design features a rich red-orange guilloche underprint, complemented by precise black intaglio detailing. At the left, a vignette depicts a craftsman at work—an emblem of industrious labor and progress—while the central scene showcases two graceful horses in a pastoral landscape, symbolizing strength, freedom, and the vitality of Connecticut’s agricultural economy. The presence of a passing train in the background subtly evokes the technological progress sweeping through mid-19th century America.

The denomination of three dollars itself adds to the note’s fascination, as $3 bills were an uncommon and transitional value in the banking systems of the time, issued primarily by local banks before the national standardization of U.S. currency. As a remainder issue, this note was printed but never signed or circulated, allowing its design and color to remain in pristine condition.

Collector’s Value:
This Norfolk Bank $3 remainder is a rare survivor of America’s independent banking era, celebrated for its artistry, unique denomination, and historical context. With its PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ grade, vibrant inkwork, and finely detailed engravings, it is an essential acquisition for collectors of obsolete currency or 19th-century Connecticut financial history.