March 2026 Hugh Shull Collection of Hard Times Era & Historical Notes – An Overview

Our recent offering of notes from the Hugh Shull Collection of Hard Times Era & Historical Notes, concluded last week, offered a glimpse into this period of United States political history fraught with turmoil. Below are several highlights from this specialty offering put together by Hugh, one of the driving forces in the area of Obsolete currency, whose recent passing has left a large void in that specialty.

Lot 95002  May 10th, 1834. Rag Bank of the United States Philadelphia, PA Five Dollars. Hard Times Era Satirical Note. Rulau HT#N12. PMG Fine 12. Realized $4,320

Lot 95006 January 1, 1834. The Glory Bank, in the City of Washington Twenty Dollars in Glory. Hard Times Era Satirical Note. Rulau HT#UNL. PCGS Banknote Choice Fine 15. Realized $3,600

Lot 95009 Aug. 21st, 1837. Humbug Glory Bank Six Cents in Mint Drops or Glory at Cost. Hard Times Era Satirical Note. Rulau HT#N18. PCGS Banknote Choice Uncirculated 64. Realized $3,840

Lot 95014 (ca. 1837). The Great Loco Foco Juggernaut 12 1/2 Cents. Hard Times Era Satirical Note. Rulau HT#N21. PCGS Currency Very Fine 35. Realized $4,800

Lot 95021 July 22nd, 1837. The Sucker Institution Company, Guard Wall, PA Ten Cents in Suckers. Hard Times Era Satirical Note. Rulau HT#N25. PCGS Banknote Very Fine 30. Realized $7,200

Lot 95028 (ca. 1837). Chelsea Clam Bank One Hundred Clams. Hard Times Era Satirical Note. Rulau HT#N41. PMG Very Fine 20 Net. Internal Tears, Backed. Realized $4,200

Lot 95043 (ca. 1854). Bank of Nebraska Will Pay on Demand at the Slave Pen in Washington, Five Hundred Dollars. Abolitionist Related Currency. PCGS Banknote Very Fine 30. Realized $2,640

For more information on upcoming Stack’s Bowers Galleries auctions or to find out when we will be at a show near you visit StacksBowers.com. To consign to an upcoming auction, call me at 800-458-4646 Ext. 393 or email me at [email protected].