New Jersey’s national banknote history reflects its unique position as both a financial neighbor to New York and a hub of local enterprise. With bustling cities, historic towns, and a diverse economy rooted in industry, agriculture, and transportation, the Garden State played a vital role in the National Bank Note Era. From the mills of Paterson to the ports of Camden, New Jersey’s banknotes tell a story of civic pride and economic ambition.

A Dense Network of Issuers

Between 1863 and 1935, 342 national banks across New Jersey issued currency, making it one of the most active states relative to its size. Early institutions like the First National Bank of Newark (Charter #52) and the First National Bank of Trenton (Charter #281) helped establish financial stability in the post-Civil War years. Banks in towns such as Vincentown, Red Bank, and Glassboro issued notes that circulated through general stores, rail depots, and manufacturing hubs—each bearing the signatures of local bankers and the identity of their communities.

Currency as a Chronicle of Local Identity

New Jersey national banknotes offer a vivid portrait of the state’s economic and cultural diversity. A $5 Series 1902 Red Seal from the Cumberland National Bank of Bridgeton (Charter #—), signed by R.M. Seeley and F.M. Riley, showcases the artistry and civic pride embedded in early currency. Notes from banks in Paulsboro, Bogota, and Bernardsville reflect the spread of banking into every corner of the state—from industrial suburbs to quiet farming towns. These notes are prized not only for their scarcity but for the stories they preserve.

Conclusion

Today, New Jersey national banknotes are cherished artifacts of regional finance and community heritage. Whether issued in the shadow of Manhattan or the quiet streets of a South Jersey borough, each note is a tangible link to the people and places that shaped the Garden State. In the broader narrative of American currency, New Jersey’s contribution stands as a testament to local leadership and lasting legacy.