Advertising notes have always been an interest of mine. These notes were typically designed to at least remotely resemble legitimate notes in circulation. Some were better likenesses than others but the goal was the same - capture the recipient's attention long enough to deliver the issuer's advertising message.

Some advertising notes served only this purpose while others actually offered the holder some financial incentive to make a purchase.

James N. Weaver of Richmond, Ind., issued a $6 advertising note sometime around 1872.

Although the note is clearly a nongenuine denomination, it bears at least a passing resemblance to the 1863 $5 legal tender note that was still in circulation when these advertising notes were being passed out.

The design was not close enough to attract the attention of the Secret Service but just enough to catch the attention of a potential customer.

While most of advertising notes were issued by dry goods merchants and other similar firms, it's always interesting to run across the occasional "odd" issuer. Weaver and his notes fit the bill.

According to the 1870 and 1880 census, Weaver was a "barber." In addition, another family member or boarder was listed as a "hairdresser" in both census records.

To read the complete article, see:Oddball advertising note(www.coinworld.com/articles/oddball-advertising-note/)