Folder of American Bank Note Company Engravings - American Bank Note - ABNCo

Folder containing 4 original hand-tooled engravings from the archives of the American Bank Note Company selected for framing. 1 sample shown. Most with green tassel at fold and envelope.

The American Bank Note Company (ABNCo), with its roots tracing back to 1795, was founded by Robert Scot, the first official engraver of the U.S. Mint, in Philadelphia. In 1858, the company was formally established through the merger of seven prominent engraving and printing firms, solidifying its position as the leading producer of high-security documents in the United States. Throughout the 19th century, before the federal government centralized currency production, ABNCo designed and printed banknotes for private and state-chartered banks, as well as the first U.S. postage stamps. In 1879, the company further consolidated the industry by acquiring rivals National Bank Note and Continental Bank Note.

In the 20th century, ABNCo transitioned from domestic currency production to becoming a global provider of secure documents and innovative anti-counterfeiting technologies. After the Bureau of Engraving and Printing assumed control of U.S. currency production, ABNCo expanded its operations to print banknotes for over 100 foreign countries. Notably, the company introduced the American Express traveler’s check in 1891. In 1908, ABNCo relocated its printing operations to a massive, fortress-like facility in the Bronx’s Hunts Point, where it operated for nearly 75 years. Despite filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1999 due to the rise of electronic trading and digitized records, the company successfully restructured and rebranded as ABCorp. Today, ABCorp continues to operate as a leader in secure payment cards, biometrics, and holographic security features.