Edison scrip

[briankeith]

Thomas A. Edison Inc. West Orange New Jersey issued scrip 1933 - great depression money. Has anyone ever come across any of these scrip notes? I am very curious. I understand they were issued in $1, $2, $5, and $10 amounts during the "bank holiday" to make payroll and pay other debts. (I can only find photos of the one and two notes)

[Jerry B.]

Too cool! I wish I could answer your questions but can only speculate. Back then economic cycles were more severe and runs on banks were more common. Perhaps they were issued during an economic crisis when it was difficult to get cash and were used as a temporary form of currency . Jerry

[briankeith]

Yes but what's the history with these? My dad lived during those bank shut-downs but he has been gone for some time now.

[rgordon939]

I have a $1.00 note. These were issued to Edison's employees while the banks were closed. They were accepted by the local merchants any redeemed by Edison when the banks opened. This was done so that his employees could buy the things they needed during this time. I bought mine from Charlie Hummel. When I was at his house about a month ago he said he had a few more. I know he will be at the Union Show so if you contact him he could bro ably bring one to the show.

Rich Gordon

[briankeith]

I am curious as to their value. I found a complete set of Edison scrips, $1, $2, $5, and $10 from a currency / coin dealer in Lambertville N.J. for $800.00. He tells me (he is a currency / coin dealer of course) that Thomas A.Edison Inc. did not print many of these scrips except for the one dollar note,,, and not many have survived in crisp clean un-folded condition. They are considered quite rare compared to other privately printed New Jersey scrip notes - again except for the $1 note. This is way beyond my Thomas Edison collecting knowledge but it would be neat to own a complete set from the Great Depression era.

[rgordon939]

I paid $90.00 for my $1.00 note pictured above. Who signed the note also effects its value. The Edison signature ones are worth even more.

Rich Gordon