1861 $20 Confederate States CT-XXI-C1 Bogus Note PMG 55AU Female Riding Deer

1861 $20 Confederate States CT-XXI-C1 Bogus Note PMG 55AU Female Riding Deer

Offered here is a compelling 1861 Confederate States of America $20 Bogus Note, cataloged as CT-XXI-C1, and certified PMG 55 About Uncirculated. This is the popular Female Riding Deer type, one of the most distinctive and visually memorable designs in the field of Confederate imitation and bogus currency. With its strong eye appeal, bold signatures, and vivid color, this piece stands out as an especially attractive example of a highly collected specialty.

In terms of authenticity and attribution, this is not a regular officially issued Confederate government note, but a period bogus note of the Confederate type, exactly as identified by PMG on the holder: CT-XXI-C1 Female Riding Deer Bogus Note. That distinction is precisely what makes it desirable. Notes of this kind are collected today as important historical artifacts connected to Confederate currency, wartime-era imitation issues, and the broader story of deception, propaganda, and opportunistic printing surrounding Southern paper money.

Historically, bogus and imitation Confederate notes occupy a fascinating niche within American numismatics. They reflect the unstable monetary climate of the Civil War era, when Confederate paper money circulated alongside reproductions, imitations, and deceptive issues that exploited public familiarity with Southern designs. Rather than being dismissed as mere copies, these pieces are valued for the insight they provide into the shadow side of Confederate finance and the wider market for unofficial currency.

The design is exceptionally striking. The central vignette features the famous female riding deer motif, a dramatic and unusual image that gives the type its enduring collector appeal. This example is well printed with a vibrant red face tint, which greatly enhances its visual presence. The ornate “XX” counters, sweeping Confederate-style lettering, and bold manuscript elements all contribute to its period character. The reverse carries back design F, an important attribution detail for specialists and an added point of interest for collectors assembling or studying counterfeit Confederate varieties.

From a quality standpoint, this piece has earned a significantly higher grade than examples commonly encountered, making it especially appealing for advanced collectors who appreciate superior certified material in this specialty. Encapsulated by PMG as About Uncirculated 55, it offers both strong technical preservation and excellent display value.

Quick Facts:
Country: Confederate States of America
Denomination: $20
Date: 1861
Catalog Number: CT-XXI-C1
Type: Bogus Note
Subtype: Female Riding Deer
Grade: PMG 55 About Uncirculated
Serial Number: 1663 pp A
Back Type: Design F

Collector’s Value:
For collectors of Confederate currency, Civil War-era imitations, and unusual American paper money, this note offers outstanding appeal. It combines one of the most recognizable bogus Confederate designs with a vibrant red face tint, desirable back type, and a better-than-usually-seen PMG grade. Pieces like this are sought after because they tell a richer and more complex story than standard issues, making them excellent additions to specialized Confederate, counterfeit, and U.S. currency collections.