Delve into the captivating narrative of California’s evolution with Paper Dreams: A History of California Through Its Paper Money, a new book by Dennis Hengeveld. Now released, this work, published by Stack’s Bowers Galleries, invites readers to explore the dynamic interplay between currency and the Golden State’s cultural, economic, and social developments. The volume is beautifully illustrated with California National banknotes from the Eric Agnew Collection (which will continue to be sold by Stack’s Bowers Galleries at the Spring 2025 and August 2025 Showcase Auctions) and features hundreds of contemporary postcards, photographic images, newspaper clippings, and more.
Paper Dreams offers a unique perspective on California’s history by examining the evolution of its paper money, from the Gold Rush to the present day. Hengeveld weaves together stories of the people, businesses, and events that have shaped the state, highlighting how paper currency reflects broader societal changes and economic trends.
With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Hengeveld sheds light on the history of banknotes and scrip, illustrating how these pieces of paper became symbols of ambition, hope, and sometimes turmoil. Readers will gain insight into pivotal moments in California’s past, such as the rise of the banking industry, the impact of immigration, and the quest for economic stability in a state that was hesitant to use paper money in its early years.
Paper Dreams is not just a history of currency; it is a celebration of California’s vibrant heritage. Peter Treglia, Vice President and Managing Director of Currency at Stack’s Bowers Galleries calls the book “a welcome introduction to paper money and its history, not just for collectors who are familiar with these objects, but also for anyone interested in history, whether it be local or statewide. National Banknotes, in particular, provide a connection to the past, whether it be to your local community, your family heritage, or both.”
Paper Dreams: A History of California Through Its Paper Money is now available on Amazon and eBay, as well as at select upcoming coin shows.
About the Author:
Dennis Hengeveld is Director of Consignments and Senior Numismatist at Stack’s Bowers Galleries. He is a noted specialist in both United States and World paper money and is an acclaimed author of online blogs and articles. Paper Dreams is his first full-length book.
About Stack’s Bowers Galleries
Stack’s Bowers Galleries conducts live, internet and specialized auctions of rare U.S. and world coins and currency and ancient coins, as well as direct sales through retail and wholesale channels. The company’s 90+ year legacy includes the cataloging and sale of many of the most valuable United States coin and currency collections to ever cross an auction block — The D. Brent Pogue Collection, The John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, The Joel R. Anderson Collection, The Norweb Collection, The Cardinal Collection, The Sydney F. Martin Collection and The Battle Born Collection — to name just a few.
World coin and currency collections include The Pinnacle Collection, The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection of World Gold Coins, The Kroisos Collection, The Alicia and Sidney Belzberg Collection, The Salton Collection, The Wa She Wong Collection, the Augustana Collection of gold rarities from across western Europe, the Richard Margolis Collection of world coins and medals and The Thos. H. Law Collection. Recently the firm was awarded the privilege of bringing the most valuable world coin collection to auction – the L. E. Bruun Collection.
The company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, with galleries in New York, Boston and Philadelphia. Offices are also located in New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Sacramento, South Carolina, Virginia, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Paris and Vancouver. Stack’s Bowers Galleries hosts an annual Global Showcase in August featuring United States coins and currency, Ancient coins and World coins and currency in its Costa Mesa auction gallery. They are also the Official Auctioneer for several important numismatic events, including the New York International Numismatic Convention, the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Spring, Summer and Winter Expos, the Spring and Fall Hong Kong shows, and the Maastricht Paper Money shows.
