Whatley shares currency exhibit with library

Examiner photo by Deborah Richardson Navasota resident Charles Whatley has travelled to many countries collecting items such as Bibles, china, currency, guns and more. His currency display is currently on display at the Navasota Public Library.

Examiner photo by Deborah Richardson In column 2, second from the bottom, the note says “Hûsz Forint”. The forint is Hungary’s currency but as a member of the European Union, it may be replaced by the euro in 2020.

Examiner photo by Deborah Richardson The five-cent US Postal Currency note featured Thomas Jefferson. Coins were hoarded during the Civil War, so postage stamps were used as currency, but the glue was a problem. In 1862 the notes, 2.5 by 1.75 inches, were printed to be redeemed for postage stamps. The notes were printed on sheets of 20 and initially perforated like stamps. Later versions omitted the perforations and the notes were cut with scissors.

Examiner photo by Deborah Richardson Copies of Republic of Texas currency are part of the collection of Charles Whatley. Texas was a sovereign state from March 2, 1836 to February 19, 1846. It never minted any coins and first issued paper money in 1837.

Examiner photo by Deborah Richardson Copies of Republic of Texas currency are part of the collection of Charles Whatley. Texas was a sovereign state from March 2, 1836 to February 19, 1846. It never minted any coins and first issued paper money in 1837.

Examiner photo by Deborah Richardson From the top, these World War I era bills are from Russia, Germany and Russia. Lenin, on the bottom bill, was head of Soviet Russia from 1917 to 1922 and of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1924.

Examiner photo by Deborah Richardson Born in 1930, historian, collector, story teller and teacher, Charles Whatley instructs, entertains, and answers the questions of Navasota Public Library patrons. He is holding one of several banknotes, paper money, from his collection.