Exeter, New Hampshire. Town of Exeter. 1862. 10 Cents. Fine.(Lafond 550-00.10-1., Rarity-7) An unbelievable rarity that is the only example we have had the pleasure of selling. Printed all in red ink on one side, green on the other. A full-size note that is a pleasant departure from so much of the painfully common diminutive scrip found from the Granite state. A piece that is incredibly desirable due to its absolute rarity, its artistic color and design, its being an advertising note, and if that was not all enough, it comes from a state with a bevy of very serious and knowledgeable collectors of great material from all genres. The red-inked side tells us that this is from Exeter, Rockingham County. It displays intricate "Ten Cents" repeating border designs with pretty flourishes at the upper corners, as well as an apothecary symbol at bottom center. Signed by Ephraim Fellowes in blue ink. He was a lifelong Exeter resident who was a merchant in town for many years. Interestingly, this scrip note was dated a mere ten days after the birth of his son, Fred S. Fellowes. The green-inked verso shows a lovely vignette of a tree-lined series of buildings which, after a lengthy search by your cataloger, appears to be a contemporary visage of Phillips Exeter Academy. At left is an advertisement for "Fogg & Fellowes, Dealers in Newspapers, Periodicals, and Fancy Goods, Fruit & Confectionary, Water Street, Corner of String Bridge, Exeter, N.H." At right is an advertisement for "Chas. H. Goodwin, Dealer in Drugs, Medicines, and Dye Stuffs, Perfumery and Fancy Goods, Books and Stationery, and Manufacturer of Goodwins Ten Per Cent Compound, for the Hair, No. 27 Water Street, Exeter, N.H." Even though there are some relatively minor scattered foxing stains and trace mounting remnants, this is easily one of the most fascinating and intriguing pieces of Obsolete Currency that we have had the pleasure to offer.
