Last Updated: January 12, 2026
You’ve inherited a collection of Confederate notes from a relative’s estate, or discovered a cache of Civil War-era currency while sorting through family documents. Now you’re wondering: who actually buys this historical paper money in San Francisco, CA—and how do you ensure you’re getting a fair price for potentially valuable pieces?
Unlike modern currency, Confederate money hasn’t had face value since 1865. Today, its worth depends entirely on rarity, condition, and collector demand. The market for these historical documents has evolved dramatically, with buyers of Confederate currency in San Francisco ranging from specialized numismatic dealers to auction houses serving international collectors. Understanding who these buyers are—and what they’re looking for—can mean the difference between receiving $20 or $20,000 for the same note.
Quick Answer: Where to Sell Confederate Currency
Buyers of Confederate currency in San Francisco include specialized coin and paper money dealers, auction firms, and estate liquidation companies. The best venues depend on your notes’ rarity and condition: common notes in average condition sell directly to local dealers, while rare or high-grade specimens achieve optimal prices through specialized currency auctions that reach advanced collectors nationwide.
Key Takeaways:
- Local coin and currency dealers provide immediate liquidity for Confederate notes
- Third-party grading (PMG or PCGS Currency) is essential for high-value pieces
- Authentication is critical—many facsimiles and reproductions exist in the market
- High-grade rare notes can fetch tens of thousands through specialized auctions
- Professional appraisal helps determine the best selling venue for your specific notes
Understanding the Confederate Currency Market in 2026
The Confederate States of America issued paper money from 1861 to 1865, which became worthless as legal tender after the Confederacy’s collapse. However, these notes immediately transformed into historical collectibles and souvenirs. By the late 19th century, Confederate currency had established itself as a distinct area of obsolete currency collecting.
Why San Francisco Became a Hub for Confederate Currency
Though San Francisco, CA never experienced Confederate monetary circulation, the city developed into a major West Coast numismatic center by the early 20th century. As estate collections from across the country passed through Bay Area auction houses and dealers, Confederate currency became part of the broader rare currency market. Today, several established firms in neighborhoods from the Financial District to the Richmond District routinely handle these historical notes.
We work with Bay Area collectors who’ve acquired Confederate notes through diverse channels—inheritance, flea market discoveries, and even academic research projects. The market has matured significantly, with professional grading services and specialized auctions creating transparent pricing for quality material.
The Authentication Challenge
During the Civil War itself, Philadelphia printer Samuel C. Upham produced thousands of “mementos of the Rebellion”—facsimile Confederate notes clearly marked as such. Many of these markings have worn off over 160 years, making authentication the single most important step before selling. Additionally, post-war tourist reproductions and modern fantasy pieces circulate regularly.
Professional dealers in San Francisco’s numismatic community can quickly identify genuine notes versus reproductions by examining paper composition, printing techniques, and specific design details. This expertise is why professional coin appraisals in San Francisco from experienced numismatists are essential before approaching buyers.
Types of Buyers in the San Francisco Market
Local Coin and Currency Dealers
Several established dealers throughout San Francisco, CA actively purchase Confederate currency as part of their broader paper money business. These include San Francisco Coin Buyers, San Francisco Gold Buyer (which handles both coins and paper currency including Confederate notes), and Robert R. Johnson Coin and Stamp Co., a firm that’s been serving the West Coast since 1954.
Local dealers typically offer immediate liquidity—you can walk in with your notes and receive payment the same day. This convenience is ideal for common Confederate notes in circulated condition, which represent the majority of surviving examples. Dealers buy these pieces for their inventory, reselling to entry-level collectors or educational institutions.
When our team evaluates Confederate currency for clients in areas like the Sunset District (94122) or near the Embarcadero (94111), we commonly encounter T-types (Treasury notes) from the 1861-1864 period in Good to Very Fine condition. These pieces typically trade in the $20-$200 range depending on denomination and specific variety.
Auction Houses and Advanced Numismatic Buyers
For rare types or high-grade specimens, specialized currency auctions reach a much broader audience of serious collectors. Stack’s Bowers Galleries, headquartered in California, conducts major currency auctions where exceptional Confederate notes achieve remarkable prices. In one recent sale, the Cleo Collection of Confederate Paper Money realized over $420,000, with individual notes fetching $28,200 to $39,950.
These auction venues make sense when you have:
- Notes graded by third-party services (PMG or PCGS Currency) at About Uncirculated or better
- Rare type numbers (T-1, T-2 high denominations, or scarce varieties)
- Complete denomination runs or specialized collections
- Notes with provenance from known collections
Estate and Appraisal Services
Many Bay Area residents discover Confederate currency while settling estates. Established numismatic firms offer estate liquidation services, evaluating entire collections and either purchasing material outright or arranging consignment to appropriate venues. This service is particularly valuable when Confederate notes appear alongside other collectibles—coins, stamps, or militaria—requiring coordinated expertise.
Understanding what you need to know about written appraisals before selling helps protect your interests, especially when dealing with potentially valuable historical material.
Common Mistakes When Selling Confederate Notes
Skipping Authentication
The single costliest error is assuming all old-looking Confederate bills are genuine. We regularly encounter Bay Area sellers who’ve listed facsimiles on online marketplaces, only to face disputes when buyers discover the truth. Professional authentication should always precede any sale attempt, especially for notes that appear to be in suspiciously perfect condition for their age.
Ignoring Condition Grading
Confederate currency values follow strict condition-based pricing. A T-31 1861 $5 note in Good condition might be worth $75, while the identical type in Choice About New (grade 58) recently sold for $30,550 at auction. Attempting to sell without understanding grading standards leads to unrealistic expectations or, conversely, accepting far less than market value.
For notes potentially worth over $500, third-party grading from PMG or PCGS Currency costs $30-$75 but provides authentication, condition assessment, and protective encapsulation that dramatically improves marketability.
Choosing the Wrong Selling Venue
Many sellers default to generalist online marketplaces without recognizing that specialized numismatic buyers pay premiums that general collectors won’t. A local pawn shop may offer $25 for a note that a specialized San Francisco coin dealer would appraise at $150, simply due to knowledge differences and buyer networks.
Best Practices for Selling Confederate Currency
Start With Professional Evaluation
Before approaching any buyer, obtain a professional evaluation from an experienced numismatist. This assessment should address authentication, condition grading, type identification, and current market value range. Most reputable San Francisco dealers offer free verbal evaluations, though written appraisals (recommended for insurance or estate purposes) typically cost $50-$150 per piece.
In our experience working with clients throughout zip codes 94102, 94103, and 94109, we’ve found that sellers who invest in professional evaluation before soliciting offers receive 30-60% more than those who shop their notes to multiple buyers without documentation.
Consider Third-Party Grading for Valuable Pieces
If initial evaluation suggests your note might be worth $500 or more, submit it to PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency for official grading. These services authenticate the note, assign a numerical grade, and seal it in a protective holder with a tamper-evident label. Graded notes sell for significant premiums because buyers have confidence in authenticity and condition.
The grading process takes 2-4 weeks for standard service (longer during peak periods). Most San Francisco dealers can facilitate submissions, or you can submit directly through the services’ websites.
Match Selling Venue to Your Notes’ Quality
| Note Quality | Best Selling Venue | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Common types, circulated condition | Local coin/currency dealers | Same day |
| Mid-grade (VF-XF), scarcer types | Dealer direct purchase or regional auction | 1-2 weeks |
| High-grade (AU-Uncirculated), rare types | Major specialized currency auction | 3-6 months |
| Large collections or estate lots | Estate service or auction consignment | 2-4 months |
The right venue balances maximum return against time and convenience. If you need immediate funds and have common material, local dealers offer efficiency. For exceptional pieces, patience through the auction process typically yields significantly higher returns.
How to Prepare Your Confederate Notes for Sale
Step 1: Inventory and Document
Create a detailed inventory of your Confederate currency. For each note, record the denomination, any visible dates, signatures, serial numbers, and a description of condition (folds, tears, stains, etc.). Photograph both sides in good lighting. This documentation helps when soliciting evaluations from multiple San Francisco dealers who buy historical currency.
Step 2: Handle With Care
Confederate notes are 160+ years old and often fragile. Store them flat in acid-free paper or archival sleeves. Never attempt to clean, press, or repair notes—such “improvements” destroy value by altering original condition. Professional conservators may be consulted for notes with active deterioration, but most collectors and dealers prefer untouched original state.
Step 3: Research and Set Realistic Expectations
While auction records show some Confederate notes selling for tens of thousands, most examples trade in the $20-$300 range. PCGS and similar resources provide general price guides, but specific values require expert assessment. Understanding the market landscape prevents disappointment and helps you recognize fair offers.
Step 4: Solicit Multiple Evaluations
Contact 2-3 reputable buyers for evaluations. Expect legitimate dealers to ask detailed questions about condition and request clear photos before providing preliminary estimates. Be wary of buyers who make instant high offers sight-unseen—this often signals either misunderstanding or intent to renegotiate downward upon inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Confederate bills valuable?
No. Common Confederate notes in average circulated condition typically trade for $20-$100. Value increases dramatically with rarity (scarce type numbers), exceptional condition (About Uncirculated or better), or special characteristics (error notes, unusual signatures). Authentication is essential, as many reproductions exist that have no collectible value.
How do I know if my Confederate currency is genuine?
Genuine Confederate notes were printed on specific paper stock using period printing techniques. Key authentication points include correct paper texture and color, proper ink composition, accurate design details, and absence of modern printing artifacts. Professional numismatists use magnification and reference materials to distinguish genuine notes from the numerous facsimiles, reproductions, and fantasy pieces in circulation. For valuable examples, third-party grading services provide definitive authentication.
Should I sell to a local dealer or use an auction?
The best choice depends on your notes’ quality and your timeline. Local dealers offer immediate payment and convenience, ideal for common material or when you need quick liquidity. Specialized auctions reach advanced collectors willing to pay premium prices, but the process takes 3-6 months from consignment to payment. For high-grade or rare notes, auction consignment typically yields 40-80% more than dealer direct purchase, easily justifying the wait.
What do buyers look for in Confederate currency?
Serious buyers prioritize authenticity first, then condition and rarity. Notes with minimal folds, strong color, no tears or stains, and crisp paper command premiums. Rarer type numbers (especially T-1 through T-7 high denominations) and scarcer varieties attract advanced collectors. Third-party grading significantly increases marketability for better pieces. Provenance from known collections adds appeal, particularly for rare specimens.
Can I sell Confederate currency online?
Yes, but with caution. Generalist online marketplaces attract mostly casual buyers, meaning specialized material often sells below market value. Numismatic-specific platforms and auction sites connect sellers with serious collectors, but require detailed photography, accurate descriptions, and understanding of grading standards. Many sellers find that submitting better pieces to established auction houses (who market online to their collector base) yields higher net proceeds than self-managed online sales.
Conclusion
Finding the right buyers of Confederate currency in San Francisco requires understanding both your material’s value and the appropriate selling channels. The Bay Area’s established numismatic community provides multiple options, from immediate-payment local dealers to specialized auction houses that can connect exceptional pieces with advanced collectors nationwide.
Success begins with professional authentication and evaluation. Whether you have a single note from an ancestor’s Civil War memorabilia or an extensive collection requiring estate liquidation, matching your material to the right buyer and venue maximizes both financial return and peace of mind. The Confederate currency market remains active in 2026, with strong demand for authenticated, properly graded pieces—but only knowledgeable sellers who take time to understand their holdings’ true worth capture that market’s full value.
Take the first step by contacting a reputable San Francisco numismatic dealer for a professional evaluation. With proper guidance, your historical currency can find its way to collectors who truly appreciate its numismatic significance and are willing to pay fair market value.
Sources and References
- Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) – Confederate currency grading and authentication standards
- PCGS Currency – Price guides and market data for Confederate notes
- Wikipedia – Confederate States Dollar historical context
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries – Auction records and market analysis for rare U.S. currency
- American Numismatic Association – Educational resources on obsolete U.S. paper money
Financial Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about Confederate currency collecting and is not investment advice. Historical currency values fluctuate based on market conditions, condition, rarity, and collector demand. Always obtain professional authentication and appraisal before buying or selling numismatic material.