CONCORD New Hampshire
H.B. Foster at Union Bank
3¢ Dec. 4th, 1862
~ 3 5/8 X 1 5/8 inches
Original 3¢ fractional scrip issued by the Union Bank of Concord, New Hampshire, dated December 4, 1862. Printed locally by McFarland & Jenks, this compact Civil War–era change note features bold red “THREE CENTS” at center with corner “3” counters, and is signed by H. B. Foster, Cashier. Issued during the period when coins were scarce, these small‑denomination notes helped facilitate everyday transactions.
Adding a compelling twist, the reverse carries a circular green stamp: “H. B. FOSTER, CONCORD, N.H. — DRUGGIST AND APOTHECARY” with a large “3” at center. This period merchant/apothecary mark ties the note directly to local commerce and the named cashier, creating excellent crossover appeal.
H. B. Foster was the cashier associated with the Union Bank 3¢ scrip in Concord, NH, and he also operated a local druggist/apothecary business!
A scarce and evocative piece of New Hampshire banking and merchant history, prized for its odd denomination and the apothecary stamp linking bank scrip to local trade during the Civil War emergency currency era.
Historic change note!