Manhattan Company 1860s Check from New York & Washoe Mining – Unissued, 2¢ Revenue Stamp

Discover a rare slice of American financial history with this 1860s Manhattan Company check from the New York & Washoe Mining Company. This unissued check features an orange-gold defiant eagle Internal Revenue 2¢ stamp at the center, issued by a iconic era of New York banking and mining.

Printed by Wm H. Arthur & Co in New York, this check measures 8 1/8" x 3 5/16" and carries check number 421. A distinctive collectible that bridges banking history, revenue postal history, and American mining past.

Manhattan Company & 19th Century Banking Context

The Manhattan Company, founded by Aaron Burr in 1799 with $2 million in capital to fund New York’s water supply, operated during a transformative era when banking intersected with frontier industry. Burr’s charter provision allowed surplus capital to be used for lawful ventures beyond traditional banking, enabling the Bank of the Manhattan Company to grow at 40 Wall Street. This historic institution later became part of the lineage that evolved into JPMorgan Chase.

In 1955, the Bank of Manhattan Company joined Chase National Bank to form Chase Manhattan Bank, a direct predecessor of JPMorgan Chase. This check captures the dynamic period when the Manhattan Company contributed to New York’s financial epicenter and the growth of American mining and commerce.

Key Details

• Era / Issuance: 1860s
• Subject: The Manhattan Company x New York & Washoe Mining
• Stamp: Orange-gold defiant eagle Internal Revenue 2¢
• Condition: Unissued; check number 421
• Printed By: Wm H. Arthur & Co, NY
• Dimensions: 8 1/8" x 3 5/16"

Display & Collectibility

An exceptional addition for history buffs, antique banking documents collectors, and mining memorabilia fans. Its compact size and vivid stamp make it an eye-catching display piece for offices, libraries, or study rooms.

Historical Context & Significance

This check highlights the era when New York’s financial institutions helped fund expansion and mining ventures, a period of great innovation and commerce. It’s a tangible artifact that complements collections of 19th-century finance, revenue stamps, and American corporate history.

Specifications