CT 33/250B 1861 $5 Contemporary Counterfeit Confederate States of America Woodcut w/ Written Serials & Printed Signatures

The 1861 $5 Confederate States of America (CSA) note, designated as CT-33 contemporary counterfeit classification, is a famous, historically significant, and highly collectible forgery from the American Civil War era. These notes were often produced in the North (notably by Samuel Upham) or by unauthorized printers to disrupt the Confederate economy.

Key Characteristics & IdentificationDesign: Features a portrait of C.G. Memminger (Secretary of the Treasury) in the center and Minerva leaning on a shield with a "5" to the right.Printing Method: Woodcut. The image is made using a relief printing technique (woodblock), which resulted in thick, blurry lines, a flat image, and often a gray appearance rather than sharp, precise lines.Signatures & Serials: The note features printed signatures (facsimiles) rather than genuine, hand-signed signatures. The serial numbers are often written or printed in a consistent, non-unique manner.Paper: Typically printed on thick, plain paper, lacking the fine texture or watermarks of the genuine $5 note.Common Identifiers: Many of these feature plate letter C and may lack "New Orleans" markings.

Context: Why it’s "Contemporary"These are not considered "fake" in the modern sense of a reproduction made last year. They are "contemporary counterfeits" or "facsimiles" produced in the 1860s during the war. Some were even used as promotional items as late as the 1876 Centennial, with advertisements added.Valuation and CollectibilityWhile they are counterfeits, they are historically significant and hold value to collectors of Confederate currency.

Rarity: Some, like the woodcut, are often designated with a Rarity 5 or 6 (in the George R. Tremmel classification), meaning relatively few survive in decent condition.

Condition: Because they were printed on poorer paper, finding them in high, uncirculated condition is rare. Folds, holes, and edge tears are common.

This particular note is one of 8 known / graded by PCGS. The grade is Choice Fine 15 Details edge damage and stained.

Finding these notes is rare without folds and tears and is among very few that have survived graded and preserved.