Delve into the banking stories of two historically rich New England states in Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money, Volume 4: Rhode Island and Vermont. Q. David Bowers chronicles the unique banking developments in each state, offering full-color images of obsolete notes alongside historical commentary, bank histories, and collecting insights. This volume paints a detailed picture of small-state banking power in the age before national currency.

“Destined to become a landmark event in the unfolding history of U.S. paper-money collecting. These works should be on the shelves of our institutions of higher education and in historical societies of all the states covered.” — Fred Reed, editor, Paper Money Magazine

"Bowers has clearly fallen head over heels for the allure of obsolete notes. Though the banks that issued them are long gone, the notes themselves help trace the roots of goods and services provided to Americans in the 1700s and 1800s. With the Whitman Encyclopedia, collectors can enjoy the designs and history contained in these pieces of paper." — Michele Orzano, senior editor, Coin World

The Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money is a groundbreaking multi-volume reference that explores the rich and colorful history of American currency issued from 1782 to 1866—before the establishment of National Banks and the Federal Reserve. During this formative period, more than 3,000 state-chartered banks across the United States issued their own distinctive paper money. In this magisterial work, Q. David Bowers—the “Dean of American Numismatics”—draws on decades of research from 18th- and 19th-century bank reports, newspapers, and other primary sources to chronicle every state, town, and bank that participated in this uniquely American financial era. Thousands of notes are pictured in full color, with in-depth information on their history, grading, rarity, market values, and collecting guidance. More than just a numismatic catalog, the Encyclopedia is a sweeping narrative of America’s economic development, from the aftermath of the Revolutionary War to the upheaval of the Civil War—an essential resource for collectors, historians, and anyone interested in the story of our nation’s early money.