Rare partly-printed note of Mormon currency in the amount of fifty cents, 3.75 x 2, filled out in another hand to N. K. Whitney, signed in ink by Brigham Young in full and countersigned by Thomas Bullock and Heber C. Kimball. The note is number 946, issued at Great Salt Lake City on January 20, 1849. Blindstamped on the left side with the seal of the Twelve Apostles. In fine condition.
As there was no standard United States currency at the time, Brigham Young and his associates in the LDS Church established a mint in 1848 that produced coinage and currency backed by the church. The newly minted currency began to be issued in January 1849, with the bills bearing the January 20 date being the very first printing. Although over three thousand notes were printed in this run, when the church mint resumed coinage in the fall of 1849 the paper currency was redeemed and most of it was destroyed. Of the original 5,150 notes, only 184 notes, valued at $269.00 in total, were outstanding in May 1850. This particular bill is especially notable as it was issued to Newell K. Whitney, presiding bishop of the church, and features Young's signature in full—many of these bear just his first initial rather than his whole first name. A beautiful example of this exceedingly rare banknote. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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