[NUMISMATICS] -- [COUNTERFEITING]. Partially printed document, New York City, 26 April 1820. 2-pages, printed on both recto and verso, small folio (330 x 203 mm), accomplished in manuscript, four sections detached at folds. EARLY COUNTERFEIT MONEY. The document, presented by the Jurors of the People of the State of New York, accuse Rufus Leverance of New York, as taking part in a felonious act by possessing a counterfeit promissory note for $10, dated 25 January 1818, with the intent to defraud. Included is the exact promissory note in question mentioned above (edges worn with some losses). Counterfeiting was a significant issue in the United States during the early 19th century. The lack of a standardized currency and the proliferation of various banknotes issued by state-chartered banks made it easier for counterfeiters to produce fake money. During this time, there was a considerable amount of locally issued and poorly regulated banknotes, and counterfeiting was often carried out by individuals or criminal groups seeking to exploit the vulnerabilities of the banking system. The U.S. government and individual states attempted to address the problem by implementing various measures, such as improving the design and security features of banknotes and passing legislation to regulate and oversee banking activities. The issue of counterfeit money was one of the factors that eventually led to the establishment of the U.S. Secret Service in 1865, initially as a part of the Department of the Treasury. The Secret Service was initially created to combat counterfeit currency, and it later expanded its mission to include the protection of national leaders.