COLONEL GROVER CRISWELL - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED CHECK 04/08/1981 - HFSID 83309

COLONEL GROVER CRISWELL
One of Criswell's signature colorful Civil War themed checks dated 1981, signed by him for the amount of $2.00. Extremely rare!
Check signed: "Grover C. Criswell", in blue ink, 8¼x3. April 8, 1981. Check no. 22135 drawn on Criswell's account at the Palatka Atlantic National Bank in Florida, payable to Jim Hayes for $2.00. Often called "the richest man in Confederate money", Grover Criswell (1934-1999) was a numismatist (primarily of Confederate bills), and served on the Board of Governors of the American Numismatic Association for 22 years. First taking interest in Confederate bills after receiving some as a gift from his father, Criswell went on to become one of the biggest dealers and collectors of Confederate currency, making him a self-made millionaire. Popular among friends and the public for his charismatic and colorful personality, Criswell also managed to secure himself an election as Mayor of Criswell, Florida at the age of 25, and was at one time offered a position as director of the U.S. mint. The numismatist also liked to show his collection, opening a museum in 1963 to exhibit some of his bills, though this resulted in a theft of almost $300,000 worth of merchandise the next year. However, towards the end of his life, Criswell became more and more ill and was unable to keep up with his extravagant lifestyle. He died in 1999 from a heart attack at the age of 65. Top left corner torn. Corners slightly worn and creased. Fold in center. Slightly toned. Otherwise, fine condition.