About Us

Phil Boerstler
Owner

I started Paradise Antique Currency after finishing a recall to Navy Active Duty following 911. This active duty of 2 years was to the Pentagon. While stationed there, I lived in Northern Virginia (Arlington) and became interested in collecting paper money from the Civil War Era, particularly the Southern States. My goal was to mount them in a picture frame with a piece from each state encircling the logo from the Confederate States of America. Before I could collect all the desired pieces, I had amassed numerous pieces from some of the states. I found very quickly that I wanted to be able to hold each piece and view the reverse.

Then the hunt was on.

Before I knew it I had 35 pieces from South Carolina.

Next was Civil War Shows on the weekend. Civil War shops (nothing newer than 1865) also. And reenactments (Gettysburg had 18,000 re-enactors) all through the south. 2004 presented me with a dug items only show in Fredricksburg, Virginia. Holy cow !!!

When I was released from active duty in Sept of 2003 and returned to Kansas, I went through withdrawal. Now what do I do? Move to the east coast or bring some of the Civil War to the Midwest?

Paradise Antique Currency was born.

This is my attempt to bring some of this important aspect of American History (Civil War) to the Midwest.

I am an Okie by birth and therefore particularly interested in the paper money history of Indian Territory/Oklahoma. I am collecting images of paper money/scrip from the Indian Tribes of the 1861-65 era, the Merchant scrip from the 1890’s and early 1900’s, the coal company scrip from the 20’s and 30’s, and the depression era scrip from the 1930’s. Please bring old forgotten pieces of Indian Territory/Oklahoma paper money that your parents or grandparents have tucked away.

We have also expanded in to gold and silver. We can buy your scrap gold (broken necklaces, old rings, dental gold, etc), gold coins from the world (we can figure out where they are from and the gold content), silver in coin form and rounds/bars. Prices fluctuate with the market. But we can help with that price variance.

We have also added for the history buffs, Confederate flags. There are CSA, unit, generals, & state/territory flags. We also custom make one of a kind flags for individuals. Call for details.

Now that I have retired from the Navy (39 & ¾ years later), I have much more time to devote to this wonderful endeavor.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or areas that I can help with your collection.