The South Carolina Rail Road Company was an enterprise that did business in South Carolina between 1843 and 1894. It was the result of a merger and became one of the most prominent companies of the time, so much so that it issued its own notes, which has become a collector’s item today.

Origin of This Note

The early 19^th century was a time when American settlers were expanding westward across the continental United States. The most effective way to do this was by train, but the trains needed railroad networks. Firms such as the South Carolina Railroad Company were established to fill this demand, and their efforts resulted in tremendous prosperity and expansion by the 1850s. However, although the SCRR made tremendous amounts of money it also incurred debt, which it was obliged to pay off.

The SCRR begin issuing its own currency, which was similar to the American dollar. At the top of the note the words South Carolina Railroad can be seen, along with the denomination to the left and right. In the center was an image of a locomotive moving about with smoke coming out of it. The success and expansion of the SCRR was disrupted by the American Civil War, which broke out during the 1850s.

This SCRR note is one of many currencies which were circulated in South Carolina and the Confederacy at the time. The company reached its zenith during the 1840s when it begins development of a railroad which extended over 60 miles from Branchville to Columbia, South Carolina. It constructed additional rails which extended to Camden and a shorter one that included a bridge that stretched across the Savannah River into Georgia. These developments combined with high profits gave the company enough clout to begin issuing its own notes or fares to those that wanted to use the rail.

After the Civil War the South Carolina Rail Road Company faced serious competition from rival firms such as the Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta Railroad, leading to a frog war which the SCRR lost. This along with its decision not to expand gradually lead to its decline, which was further precipitated by high debts.

SCRR Note Characteristics

The most valuable notes issued by the South Carolina Rail Road Company are those which are in uncirculated condition, which are exceptionally hard to find after more than 130 years. This note is intricately engraved and is high in quality and design. The railroad scrip issued at the time was a type of fare that was good for a certain number of miles, usually for one or more passengers. This note comes in multiple variants, some of which are common while others are not. The SCRR currency notes which are rarest can be worth hundreds of dollars for a single note in quality condition. The coins carry great value not only due to their rarity but also because of their historic design.