In Whitman Encyclopedia of Obsolete Paper Money, Volume 8: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, Q. David Bowers continues his state-by-state tour with a compelling look at banking in the nation’s capital and surrounding regions. Featuring hundreds of notes and detailed bank entries, this volume highlights the intersection of finance, politics, and commerce, showcasing how regional banks shaped local economies and left behind a vivid legacy in obsolete 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

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.