ABCorp

Early origins

ABCorp traces its origins to Murray, Draper, Fairman & Company, an engraving and printing firm established in 1795 by Robert Scot, the first official engraver of the U.S. Mint. The company produced stock certificates, banknotes for state-chartered banks, and various engraved materials throughout the early 19th century.

Formation of the American Bank Note Company

In 1858, several prominent security printers merged to form the American Bank Note Company, headquartered in New York City. Additional consolidations followed; in 1879, the National Bank Note Company merged into ABN, and the company acquired the Continental Bank Note Company, which at the time held the U.S. Post Office’s stamp production contract.

During the American Civil War, ABN and the National Bank Note Company produced the federally issued “Demand Notes” under contract with the U.S. Treasury Department. After the Bureau of Engraving and Printing took over production of U.S. currency and postage stamps in the 1860s and 1870s, ABN expanded internationally, supplying banknotes and security paper to more than 100 countries.

20th-century developments

Throughout the 20th century, ABN continued producing secure documents for domestic and international clients, including postage stamps, traveler’s cheques, currency, and government-issued identification documents. The company also operated facilities outside the United States, including a plant in Ottawa, Canada.

In 1999, American Banknote filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but emerged from it in 2002 after achieving a restructured balance sheet.

Now operating as ABCorp, the company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. It maintains manufacturing operations in the United States and Canada. Additional facilities are located in Australia and New Zealand. Today, ABCorp focuses on secure payment cards, authentication technologies, secure access solutions, and additive manufacturing.

Several early ABCorp facilities in New York City are architecturally significant. The American Bank Note Company Building and the American Bank Note Company Printing Plant, both completed in 1908, are designated New York City Landmarks. One of them is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

References

Sources

• Antecedents of the American Bank Note Company of 1858 by Foster Wild Rice
• The Story of the American Bank Note Company by William H. Griffiths
• America's Money America's Story by Richard Doty
• The Comprehensive Catalog of U.S. Paper Money by Gene Hessler