1884 Postal Note - only 1 Available - Homer Lee Bank Note Co., Type II

This is a historical US Postal Note, dated July 17, 1884, issued from Brockton, Massachusetts.

A Postal Note was a secure, small-denomination money order issued by the U.S. Post Office Department between 1883 and 1894, designed for sending amounts less than $5 through the mail. They were especially useful for individuals without bank accounts.

• Printed by: Homer Lee Bank Note Co., New York
• Fee: 3 cents (visible within shield on right).
• Amount: Five cents (handwritten).
• Serial Number: 001501 (in red ink at top left).
• Post Office: Brockton, Mass (printed in blue at top right).
• Date: July 17, 1884 (handwritten on the top)
• Denomination system: A punch mark through the number 5 on the right margin indicates the amount in dollars, dimes, and cents.

Postal Notes are considered early financial instruments, a hybrid of money orders and checks. They were an essential service in the days before electronic funds and widespread banking. Their ornate designs and regional issue variations make them highly collectible today - especially examples in good condition with complete details and legible postmarks.