C. John Ferreri started collecting paper money in 1969 and was attracted to the artistry that was usually found on it, especially the obsolete issues. Starting with an interest in Connecticut issues he soon branched out to the rest of the New England States, keeping him busy for the next 50 years. He wrote the foreword for Vol #1 of the Whitman Obsolete Paper Money series of books and also became the editor for the volumes housing the New England States.