Auction Name: 2026 January 25 Winter Obsolete Currency Showcase Auction

Lot Number: 94022

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/62425*94022

Fort Smith, AR- Fort Smith Exchange of Mayers & Bro. 50¢ Mar. 25, 1862 Rothert 235-1 PMG Choice Fine 15.
M. Mayers & Bro. engaged in the drug and general mercantile businesses. Owned by M. Mayers and his brother, who came to Fort Smith from Maryland in 1841, the brothers emitted a variety of scrip notes while their ventures operated. Evidently, in March 1862, the firm elected to establish the Fort Smith Exchange. At this point, banks were outlawed, so exchange companies became a reasonable substitute. Many carried out duties similar to those of banks and offered safety deposit boxes. Signed by P. Goodman and printed on deep blue paper, this 50¢ note features a vignette of a War of 1812 era soldier riding a horse and blowing a large horn as he rallies troops for battle. Based on Matt Rothert's description in his book, as well as a 75¢ example we have auctioned previously which bears a nearly identical design, the left portion of this example, which included a Native American princess, was removed at some point. Nevertheless, otherwise, the note is free of any consequential condition detractors. It could very well represent one of the only opportunities an Arkansas scrip collector will be afforded to acquire a piece of this type.

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