1691-1796
Guide to the Collection
Abstract
This collection comprises paper currency emitted by the individual American colonies and certain private entities prior to and after the American Revolution.
Historical Sketch
Prior to the establishment of a national currency after the American Revolution, colonists wishing to buy something from their neighbors or pay their taxes had a few options: barter (the exchange of services for goods); commodity money (tobacco, sugar, rice, corn, skins, and other goods, depending on the colony); specie (foreign gold and silver coinage, primarily from Spain and Portugal); "book credit" or "bookkeeping barter" (in which merchants recorded debits and credits in their ledgers, but cash rarely changed hands); and private debt instruments like bills of exchange drawn on foreign banks.
In 1690, the Province of Massachusetts Bay issued the first publicly authorized paper currency in the colonies: £7,000 in bills of credit to finance a military expedition against Canada during King William's War. Bills of credit were not payable on demand, but redeemable at a specified time in the future. South Carolina was next, issuing bills in 1703 to finance a military expedition in Florida; the rest of the colonies soon followed suit with their own notes. In various colonies, paper bills were issued to finance jails, lighthouses, and other public works; to reimburse farmers forced to burn part of their tobacco crop in Maryland; and for the relief of the poor in Philadelphia. Although colonial currency could—and did—cross borders, each colony's currency was valued differently, causing consternation when it came time to tally up a transaction across colony lines.
Colonial currency is denominated in pence (abbreviated d for "denarius," the Latin word for penny), shillings, and pounds. For detailed information on the history and use of colonial notes, Eric P. Newman's The Early Paper Money of America should be consulted.
Sources
Newman, Eric P. The Early Paper Money of America, 3rd edition. Iola, Wisc.: Kraus Publications, 1990.
Michener, Ron. Money in the American Colonies. Available at: https://eh.net/encyclopedia/money-in-the-american-colonies/.
Collection Description
This collection comprises paper bills of credit, lawful money, small change notes, and other types of paper notes officially emitted by the individual American colonies, from their founding through 1775 and in the years immediately following the Revolution. Private monetary issues of the period are also included.
Strongest for the Province and Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay, the collection also contains specimens from Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Printers of early currency include John Coney, Jeremiah Dummer, Benjamin Franklin, Hugh Gaine, Timothy Green, and David Hall, among many others.
Arrangement Note
This guide is arranged alphabetically by colony. Within each, bills are listed according to their issue date.
Acquisition Information
Items in this collection were acquired from many different sources. If the provenance of a particular note is known, it is listed in the description for that note.
Detailed Description of the Collection
I. Connecticut, 1713-1796
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 12 July 1709, redated May 1713
£20,000 in indented Bills of Credit authorized to replace all prior issues due to the practice of altering bills to raise their denomination. Issued in denominations of 2s, 2s6d, 3s, 5s, 10s, 20s, 40s, and £5. The plates for the 12 July 1709 issue have "May 1713" added below the original date and a different animal and name of a color were added to each of the larger denominations. Plates engraved by Jeremiah Dummer of Boston.
2 shillings, serial number 6378.
14.4 x 10.6 cmSigned by Joseph Tallcott, William Whiting, Hezekiah Wyllys. Ms. note on verso reads "2.s Bill of Cr. of the Collony of Connecticut."
Acquired from Robert C. Winthrop, Jr., Nov. 1900.
2. Issue of 8 May 1740, redated to 10 May 1744
£30,000 in legal tender New Tenor Bills of Credit authorized for payment of mortgage loans, etc., in denominations of 1s, 2s, 4s, 7s, 12s, 20s, 40s, and £3. The three lowest denominations are oriented horizontally; the others vertically. Printed by Timothy Green.
4 shillings, New Tenor, serial number 900.
8.3 x 12.3 cmSigned by Nathaniel Stanly, William Pitkin, George Wyllys.
B. Private issues
1. Issue of August 1732
£10,000 in indented circulating notes backed by 12 year mortgages by the New London Society United for Trade and Commerce. Issued in denominations of 2s, 2s6d, 3s, 5s, 10s, 20s, 40s, and £5. Red AR monogram on paper. Printed by Timothy Green.
£5, no serial number.
15.3 x 10.3 cmUnindented and unissued. Signed by Solomon Coit & John Lee
Acquired from Robert C. Winthrop, Jr., Nov. 1900.
2. 12 September 1796 Norwich Bank small change bills
Issued in denominations of 4 and 8 cents (3 and 6 pence)
4 cents (3 pence), no serial number.
5 x 6.5 cmSigned by Ebenezer Huntington & Hezekiah Perkins.
Acquired from Joan Weiss, June 2009.
II. Delaware, 1746-1760
A. Official issues
1. Issue of Feb. 28, 1746
£20,000 in bills of credit to exchange for prior issues and continue Loan Office operations. Issued in denominations of 1s, 18d, 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s. Printed by Benjamin Franklin.
20 shillings, illegible serial number.
8.5 x 7 cmSignatures illegible.
2. Issue of May 1, 1758
£8,000 in bills of credit to pay for public expenses. Issued in denominations of 1s, 1s6d, 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s. Printed by Benjamin Franklin and David Hall.
15 shillings, illegible serial number.
8.5 x 7 cmSignatures illegible.
20 shillings, illegible serial number.
9 x 7.2 cmSignatures illegible.
3. Issue of June 1, 1759
£27,000 in legal tender bills of credit to replace the Feb. 28, 1746 issue and to be used for new loans until June 1, 1773. Issued in denominations of 1s, 1s6d, 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s. Printed by Benjamin Franklin and David Hall.
5 shillings, illegible serial number.
8.5 x 7 cmSignatures illegible.
10 shillings, illegible serial number.
8.5 x 7 cmSignatures illegible.
15 shillings, illegible serial number.
9 x 6.5 cmSignatures illegible.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
20 shillings, illegible serial number.
8.6 x 7 cmSignatures illegible.
4. Issue of May 31, 1760
£4,000 in bills of credit.replace the Feb. 28, 1746 issue and to be used for new loans until June 1, 1773. Issued in denominations of 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s. Printed by Benjamin Franklin and David Hall. Red and black on the obverse; black on reverse.
20 shillings, serial number 500.
8.5 x 7 cmSigned by David Hall, Vincent Loockerman & Evan Rice.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
30 shillings, serial number 137.
8.5 x 7 cmSigned by David Hall, Vincent Loockerman & Evan Rice.
40 shillings, serial number 1186.
8.5 x 7 cmSigned by David Hall, Vincent Loockerman & Evan Rice.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
III. Georgia, 1762-1786
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 1762
£7410 sterling in legal bills of tender. Issued in denominations of 2d, 3d, 4d, 6d, 9d, 1s, 1s3d, 1s6d, 2s, 2s6d, 3s, 3s6d, 4s, 5s, 10s, 20s.
5 shillings, serial number [?]407.
5 fragments [center of the note is missing]Signed by Hezekiah Wylly & other signatures illegible.
Has vignette of a Native American, lower right.
2. 1769 Lighthouse certificates
£2200 sterling to rebuild the lighthouse on Tybee Island. Receivable for taxes until May 1, 1772.
£1 sterling, unissued.
12 x 15 cmSigned by Noble Jones & John Milledge.
3. Issue of 1773.
£4299 sterling to redeem all prior issues and to meet expenses. Receivable for taxes or exchangeable until Sept. 29, 1776.
20 shillings, unissued.
12 x 13.7 cmSigned by James E. Powell, William Young, Noble Jones Joseph Clay & Samuel Farley.
4. Issue of 1774.
£800 sterling for military purposes. Receivable for taxes until Dec. 31, 1777. Issued in denominations of 1s, 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s.
5 shillings, serial number 5.
9 x 11.5 cmSigned by Thomas Shruder, Thomas Netherclift, Noble Jones, Nathaniel Hall & others.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
5. Issue of 16 October 1786.
£50,000 in legal tender bills of credit to be loaned on real estate mortgage security. Printed by John E. Smith, Augusta, Ga. Issued in denominations of 6d, 1s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 20s.
1 shilling, serial number [401].
6.5 x 15.5 cmSigned by George Jones & William Daniell.
2 shillings, 6 pence, serial number 7500.
7.5 x 17 cmSigned by George Jones & W. Freeman.
5 shillings, serial number 15770.
7 x 15.5 cmSigned by George Jones & W. Freeman.
10 shillings, serial number [8832].
8 x 15.5 cmSigned by George Jones, W. Steele & W. Freeman.
20 shillings, serial number [8578].
7.8 x 15.5 cmSigned by George Jones & W. Freeman.
IV. Maryland, 1767-1774
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 1 January 1767
$173,733 in indented bills without legal tender status; payable between June 25, 1777 and Dec. 25, 1777. Engraved by Thomas Sparrow, printed by Jonas Green. Issued in denominations of $1/9, $1/6, $2/9, $1/3, $1/2, $2/3, $1, $2, $4, $6, $8.
$1/2, serial number 4382.
6.4 x 11 cm.Signatures illegible. Bill mutilated.
$2/3, serial number 7413.
6.4 x 11 cm.Signatures illegible; bill mutilated.
$2/3, serial number illegible.
6.4 x 11 cm.Signatures illegible; bill mutilated.
$2, serial number 5082.
7 x 12 cm.Signed by R. Couden & J. Clapham.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
$4, serial number 2963.
6 x 11.5 cm.Signed by R. Couden & J. Clapham.
$6, serial number 5270.
6.5 x 11 cm.Signed by R. Couden & J. Clapham.
$6, serial number 5267.
6 x 11 cm.Signed by R. Couden & J. Clapham.
Removed from Cranch family papers
$6, serial number 3771.
6.3 x 11.6 cm.Signed by R. Couden & J. Clapham.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
$8, serial number 4084.
6.2 x 12.4 cm.Signed by R. Couden & J. Clapham.
2. Issue of 1 March 1770
$318,000 in indented bills without legal tender status; to be used for loans through the reestablished Loan Office. Printed by Anne Catharine and W. Green. Issued in denominations of $1/9, $1/6, $2/9, $1/3, $1/2, $2/3, $1, $2, $4, $6, $8.
$1/9, serial number 16119.
6.4 x 11 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$1/6, serial number [14600].
6.5 x 11.5 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$2/9, serial number lacking.
6.5 x 8.5 cm (mutilated, right edge trimmed off).Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$2/9, serial number 10851.
6.5 x 11.6 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$1/3, serial number lacking.
6.5 x 8 cm (mutilated, right edge trimmed off).Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$1/3, serial number 12841.
6 x 11.4 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$2/3, serial number [48681].
6.5 x 12 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$1, serial number 12350.
6 x 10.5 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$2, serial number 1499.
6 x 11.3 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$4, serial number 8020.
6.5 x 11.5 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$6, serial number 5699.
6.5 x 11.3 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
$8, serial number 11775.
6.3 x 11.3 cm.Signed by John Clapham & Robert Couden.
3. Issue of 10 April 1774
$480,000 in indented bills without legal tender status. Printed by Anne Catharine and Frederick Green. Issued in denominations of $1/9, $1/6, $2/9, $1/3, $1/2, $2/3, $1, $2, $4, $6, $8.
$1/9, serial number 3220.
6.2 x 11.6 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$1/6, serial number 215.
6 x 11.6 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$2/9, serial number 3110.
6.4 x 11.2 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$1/3, serial number 17430.
6.5 x 11.8 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$1/2, serial number 2712.
6 x 11.2 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$2/3, serial number 18137.
6.4 x 11.8 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$1, serial number 11733.
6.4 x 11.8 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$2, serial number 782.
6.4 x 11.6 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$2, serial number 5310.
6 x 11.2 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
Removed from B. F. Butler papers.
$4, serial number 10882.
6.5 x 12.5 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$6, serial number 4026.
6.4 x 11.8 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
$8, serial number 4023.
6.7 x 12.5 cm.Signed by John Clapham & William Eddis.
V. Massachusetts, 1691-1750
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 3 February 1690/91
£40,000 in indented "Colony" or "Old Charter" bills authorized by orders of Feb. 3, 1690/91 and May 21, 1691. Receivable for taxes at 5% premiumn, payable at par with any specie on hand in the Treasury. Engraved by John Coney. Issued in denominations of 2s, 2s6d, £3, £10. The only known examples are fraudulently altered bills which have had their denominations raised from 2s6d to 20s.
20 shillings, [altered from 2s6d], serial number 110.
14 x 10.4 cmSigned by Penn Townsend, Adam Winthrop, Timothy Thornton.
Given by Henry S. Nourse, 1891.
Facsimile 20 shillings, [altered from 2s 6d], serial number 419.
14 x 10 cmSigned by Elisha Hutchinson, John Philby, Timothy Thornton.
Given by American Numismatic Association, 1973.
2. Issue of 21 November 1702
£10,000 in indented Province Bills. Engraved by John Coney, printed by John Allen. Issued in denominations of 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 20s, 40s, £3, £5.
10 shillings, [altered from 5s], serial number 7013.
14.3 x 10.2 cmSigned by John Leverett, Samuel Legg, Elisha Hutchinson.
3. Issue of 21 November 1708
£10,000 in indented Province Bills. Engraved by John Coney. Face of the bills overprinted with red AR monogram. Issued in denominations of 2s, 2s6d, 3s, 5s, 20s, £3, £5.
40 shilling counterfeit note, serial number 1989.
14.3 x 10.2 cmSigned by Elisha Hutchinson, Penn Townsend, Samuel Checkley. Signed twice on reverse by Nathan Shed Jr.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
4. Issue of 31 May 1710
£40,000 in indented Province Bills. Engraved by John Coney. Face of the bills overprinted with red AR monogram. Issued in denominations of 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 50s, £3, £5.
20 shilling counterfeit note, serial number 6753.
15.5 x 10.5 cmSigned by Samuel Sewall, John Clark.
4. Issue of 14 May 1713
Bills originally dated 14 May 1713, but redated [by the addition of the new date] as the need arose in 1714, 1718, 1719, 1721, 1722, 1723, 1725, 1727, 1731, 1733, 1735, 1736, and 1740. Engraved by John Coney. Face of the bills overprinted with red AR monogram. Issued in denominations of 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 50s, £3, £5.
1 shilling, redated to 1736, serial number illegible.
12.5 x 10 cmSigned by William Dudley, John Wainwright, J. Willard.
1 shilling 6 pence, redated to 1735, serial number illegible.
12.5 x 10 cmSigned by William Dudley, J. Quincy, J. Willard.
1 shilling 6 pence, redated to 1725, serial number illegible.
13 x 5.5 cmMutilated; right half of bill only. Signed by John Clark, W. Payne, Samuel Checkley, Samuel Sewall.
1 shilling 6 pence, redated to 1740, serial number illegible.
12 x 10 cm (irregular)Mutilated bill; upper right corner lacking. Signed by A. Winthrop, John Jeffries.
2 shilling, redated to 1735, serial number illegible.
13.3 x 10.5 cmSigned by A. Winthrop, J. Quincy, J. Wainwright.
2 shillings, serial number illegible.
13 x 5.5 cmMutilated, left half of bill only.
5 shillings, redated to 1740, serial number 2561.
13 x 10.2 cmSigned by John Jeffries, John Quincy, J. Willard.
10 shillings, redated to 1716⋆, serial number 9627.
13 x 10.2 cmSigned by Penn Townsend, Elisha Hutchinson, John Clark.
5. Issue of 26 May 1714.
High denomination currency redated as new emissions were authorized. Issued in denominations of 30s, 40s, £3, 100s (£5).
40 shillings (£2), redated to 1722, serial number 2766.
12 x 8.5 cmSigned by Penn Townsend, John Clark, A. Davenport, W. Payne.
Note is torn in 4 pieces.
60 shillings (£3), redated to 1735, serial number 9627.
13.5 x 10 cmSigned by A. Winthrop, J. Willard, Elisha Cooke, John Quincy. Signed Sam Gardner on reverse.
Acquired from Andrew Oliver, 1964.
100 shillings (£5), redated to 1740, serial number 1173.
13 x 10 cmSigned by A. Winthrop, J. Jeffrieds, J. Willard, John Quincy.
Acquired from Andrew Oliver, 1964.
100 shillings (£5), serial number 2226.
13.5 x 10 cmSigned by Samuel Sewall, Penn Townsend, Elisha Hutchinson, A. Davenport. Signed Jno. Finney on reverse.
Mutilated bill.
Acquired from Andrew Oliver, 1964.
100 shillings (£5), redated to 1727, serial number 345.
13.2 x 10.5 cmSigned by Elisha Cooke, William Payne, A. Davenport and Samuel Checkley. Signed Samll Allen, J. Bowdoin/Danl Russell on reverse.
Acquired from Andrew Oliver, 1964.
6. June 1722 small change bills
£500 in small change bills issued to prevent William Wood from introducing Rosa Americana coinage into New England and to prevent halving and quartering of prior notes. Issued in denominations of 1d, 2d, 3d.
1 penny.
4.5 cm diamCircular note on parchment with text: 1 d./One Penny / Massachusetts / June, 1722 enclosed in a printed border.
Possibly acquired from James Winthrop in 1791.
2 pence.
4 x 4.5 cmRectangular note on parchment with text: TWO Pence. / Province of / the Massachu- / setts. June 1722 enclosed in a printed border.
Possibly acquired from James Winthrop in 1791.
3 pence.
5 cm diamHexagonal note on parchment with text: [Pointing hand] 3 d./Three / Pence / Province of the / Massachusetts / Bay, N.E. / June, 1722 enclosed in a printed border.
Possibly acquired from James Winthrop in 1791.
1 penny [reproduction].
3.5 x 4 cm ovalOval note on parchment with text: 1 d./ONE PENNY / Massachusetts / June, 1722.
Possibly acquired by William Sumner Appleton by exchange of duplicates.
2 pence [reproduction].
2.7 cm diamRound note on parchment with text: [pointing hand] 2 d./TWO Pence / Province of /the Massachu- / setts June, 1722.
Possibly acquired by William Sumner Appleton by exchange of duplicates.
7. Issue of 4 February 1736/37, redated 1737
£9,000 in indented New Tenor or Three Fold Tenor bills; later known as Middle Tenor bills. Printed by Kneeland and Green. Issued in denominations of 10d, 1s8d, 3s4d, 6s8d, 10s, 20s, 30s, 40s.
6 shillings 8 pence (80 pence), serial number 5730.
10 x 15.5 cm.Signed by John Jeffries, John Wainwright, William Dudley.
8. Issue of 1 January 1741/42, redated 1742
£39,000 in Second New Tenor or Three Fold Tenor bills; later known as Middle Tenor bills. Printed by Kneeland and Green. Issued in denominations of 2d, 3d, 4d, 6d, 8d, 9d, 1s, 15d, 2s, 2s6d, 3s, 4s, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 30s, 40s.
3 shillings (12 shillings old tenor), serial number [2276].
14.5 x 10.2 cm.Signed by Roland Cotton and J. Willard. Inscription on reverse "49: 3/Bills"
9. Issue of 20 June 1744
Second New Tenor bills with reduced silver equivalents. The reverse has both old and new equivalents. Most of these issues were used for military expenses in the Cape Breton, Louisburg, and Canadian campaigns. Issued in denominations of 2d, 3d, 4d, 6d, 9d, 1s, 15d, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 30s, 40s.
2 pence, serial number 22404.
12 x 9.5 cm.Signed by J. Jeffries & S. Wells.
Acquired from A. A. Lawrence.
Fragmentary 2 pence note.
5.5 x 4.5 cm.Fragmentary 3 pence note.
2 pieces.Fragmentary 4 pence note.
11.5 x 9 cm.4 pence (16 pence OT), serial number 1766.
11.7 x 9.2 cm.Signed by J. Jeffries & S. Watts.
4 pence (16 pence OT), serial number 3960.
12 x 9.5 cm.Signed by J. Jeffries & R. Cotton.
Top right corner missing.
6 pence (2 shillings OT), serial number 12529.
12 x 9.4 cm.Signed by J. Jeffries & S. Watts.
6 pence (2 shillings OT), serial number 1766.
6 x 9.2 cm.Signed by R. Cotton & J. Hutchinson.
Torn in half.
Acquired from the estate of William Sumner Appleton, June 1905.
9 pence (3 shillings OT), serial number [7656].
3 piecesSigned by J. Heath & J. Jeffries.
9 pence (3 shillings OT), serial number 6992.
11.5 x 9.8 cmSigned by S. Watts & S. Wells.
Fragmentary 9 pence note.
6 x 10 cm.Top part of bill only.
1 shilling (4 shillings OT), serial number 14641.
12 x 10 cm in four pieces.Signed by R. Cotton & J. Jeffries.
5 shillings (20 shillings OT), serial number 211.
14 x 9.5 cm.Signed by S. Watts, J. Heath & R. Cotton.
10 shillings, (40 shillings OT), serial number 243.
14.5 x 9.5Signed by R. Hale, J. Willard & J. Quincy.
15 shillings (£3 OT) proof.
8.5 x 8.5 cmProof of reverse design with sun cut.
40 shillings (£8 OT) proof.
8.5 x 8.5 cmProof of reverse design, with ship cut.
10. 1750 lawful money change bills
£3,000 ($10,000) in lawful money change bills secured by a deposit of Spanish dollars. Issued in denominations of $1/72, $1/24, $1/16, $1/12, $1/8, $1/4. This is the last paper currency issued in Massachusetts until May 1775.
$1/8 (9 pence), serial no. 1537.
5.6 x 10 cmSigned by J. Hutchinson & R. Cotton.
B. Private issues
1. Issue of 1733 November 30
£110,000 in merchants' notes issued by a private partnership to 102 participants to prevent and issue of Rhode Island bills of credit from flooding Massachusetts Bay. Issued in denominations of 1s6d, 2s6d, 6s, 10s, 20s, £3, £6, £10.
1 shilling 6 pence, serial number 19.
13.5 x 10 cmPayable to Richard Clarke; signed by John Osborne, Jacob Wendell, Samuel Welles, Samuel Sewall, Joshua Winslow. Endorsed on reverse by Richard Clarke.
2 shillings 6 pence (Half Crown), serial number 3675.
13 x 10 cmPayable to Richard Clarke; signed by Hugh Hall, Edward Bromfield Jr., Edward Hutchinson, James Bowdoin, William Foye. Endorsed on reverse by Richard Clarke.
2. Silver Bank bills, 1740 August 1.
£120,000 in "Silver Bank," "specie bank," or "merchants" bills issued by a private partnership of 107 participants to compete with Manufactory Bank notes. Payable to Isaac Winslow by Dec. 31, 1755. Issued in denominations of 2s6d, 5s, 7s6d, 15s, £10.
2 shillings 6 pence, serial number 2254.
10.8 x 8.7 cmSigned by Edmund Quincy, Thomas Oxnard, James Boutineau. Endorsed on reverse by Isaac Winslow.
3. Manufactory bills, 1740 September 9.
£150,000 in Manufactory or Land Bank bills issued by a private partnership of 396 participants. Issued with land as security and payable to the order of Joseph Marion in 20 years. Incorporation of the bank was refused and redemption of bills ordered by the Crown in 1741. Issued in denominations of 3d, 6d, 7s6d, 20s.
6 pence, serial number 5904.
11.5 x 9 cmSigned by Isaac Watts, Thomas Cheever. Inscriptions on reverse: "Jos. Marion"; "A Land Bank bill reserved, as a specimen of ye mad humour among many of ye people of ye people of this province 1740.".
3 pence, proof note.
10 x 10.4 cmTrial proof of part of 3d note. Ms. additions of denomination and correction of the spelling of "three."
7 shillings, 6 pence proof note.
11.3 x 10.3 cmTrial proof of 7s6d note. Ms. corrections of 7 spelling errors at bottom left of the bill.
Trial proof, frame of leaves and acorns with a crown at top.
10 x 10.5 cmTrial proof, frame of grapes and grape leaves.
11 x 10.7 cmSigned by Isaac Watts, Thomas Cheever. Inscriptions on reverse: "Jos. Marion"; "A Land Bank bill reserved, as a specimen of ye mad humour among many of ye people of ye people of this province 1740.".
4. Ipswich Bank bills, 1 May 1741.
£50,000 in bank bills issued by a private partnership in Ipswich, Mass. Payable to the order of James Eveleth. Issued in denominations of 1d, 3d, 9d, 1s, 2s, 3s, 5s
1 shilling, serial number 739,568.
12.8 x 9.5 cmSignatures defaced. Inscription on reverse, "Presented by Capt. Laughton."
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton, 1905.
2 shillings, serial number 85.
11.5 x 9 cmSigned by Edward Eveleth, Jonathan Hale, Eben Stevens & Robert Choate. Endorsed on reverse by James Eveleth.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton, 1905.
VI. New Hampshire, 1737-1756
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 1 April 1737
£10,000 authorized by 23 March 1736/7 Act and 1 April 1737 order. Later referred to as "Cuba plates" as the large denomination plates were reused for notes financing the 1740 Cuba expedition. Issued in denominations of 2s, 3s, 5s, 10s, 20s, 40s, 60s, 100s.
Facsimile notes, obverses only.
16 items.MHS has 2 reproductions of each denomination, possibly from the original printing plates.
Acquired from Samuel A. Green, Jan. 1904.
2. Issue of 3 April 1742, redated 1743
£25,000 authorized by 3 April 1742 Act approved by the Crown on 2 June 1743 to be used for mortgage loans. Issued in denominations of 6d, 1s, 2s6d, 6s, 7s6d, 10s, 20s, 40s.
Fragmentary 40 shillings (£8 old tenor) note, serial number 7860.
3 pieces, lower left lacking.Obverse signatures missing. Endorsed on reverse by Jonathan Edwards.
3. Issue of 3 April 1742, redated February 1744/45
£13,000 in bills to finance the expedition against Louisburg; with subsequent issues in JUly and October 1745 and July 1746. Issued in denominations of 6d, 1s, 2s6d, 6s, 7s62, 10s, 20s, 40s.
6 pence, serial number 3173.
14 x 9 cm.Signed by Eleazer Russell, George Jaffrey & Theodore Atkinson.
Fragmentary 1 shilling note.
13.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Richard Wibird; other signatures lacking.
Fragmentary 1 shilling note, serial number 1853.
13 x 9 cm.Signatures lacking.
1 shilling, serial number 8804.
14.3 x 10 cm.Signed by John Sandburn, John Macmurphy & John Downing.
6 shillings, serial number 296.
14 x 9 cm.Mutilated. Signed by Henry Sherburn, Ebenezer Stevens, & Jotham Odiorne Jr.
6 shillings, serial number [1169?].
14 x 9 cm.Mutilated. Signed by Henry Sherburn, Ebenezer Stevens, & Jotham Odiorne Jr.
6 shillings, serial number [5416].
13.5 x 9.6 cm.Mutilated. Signed by Richard Wibird, Samuel Solly, & Clement March.
20 shillings (£4 old tenor), serial number 4021.
14.8 x 10.2 cm.Signed by Henry Sherburn, Ebenezer Stevens, & Jotham Odiorne Jr.
Acquired from Robert C. Winthrop, 1869.
40 shillings (£8 old tenor), serial number 1706.
14.8 x 10.2 cm.Signed by Theodore Atkinson, Eleazer Russell, & George Jaffrey.
40 shillings (£8 old tenor), serial number 1980.
15 x 10.5 cm.Signedd by Moses Leavit, Samuel Gilman & Sampson Sheafe.
40 shillings (£8 old tenor) fragment, serial number 12959.
6.5 x 6 cm.Signed by Moses Leavit & Samuel Gilman
4. Issue of 3 April 1755
£30,000 in New Tenor bills of credit to use for the Crown Point expedition. Issued in denominations of 6d, 1s, 3s, 3s9d, 5s, 7s6d, 10s, 15s, 30s, £3.
6 pence (2s old tenor), serial number 2018.
6.6 x 14 cm.Signed by Richard Wibird, Henry Sherburne & Theodore Atkinson.
Acquired from Mrs. Washburn.
4. Issue of 3 April 1755, redated 1756
Facsimile notes, obverses only.
12 items.Reproductions of each denomination, possibly from the original printing plates.
Acquired from Samuel A. Green, Jan. 1904.
B. Private issues
1. Merchants' notes, 25 December 1734
Indented engraved promissory notes sponsored by a group of private merchants. Payable with 1% interest on Dec. 25, 1746. Issued in denominations of 12d, 2s, 5s, 7s, 10s.
12 pence, serial number 2433
11.5 x 9 cmSigned by Theodore Atkinson, John Rindge & Joshua Peirce. Endorsed on the reverse by Hunking Wentworth.
12 pence, serial number 4217
11.5 x 9 cmSigned by John Downing Jr., George Jaffrey & Joshua Peirce. Endorsed on the reverse by Hunking Wentworth.
Acquired from B. Wendell, April 1914.
2 shillings, no serial number.
6.6 x 10.9 cmBottom half of note only. Signed by James Smith, Andrew Wiggin & John Downing, Jr.. Endorsed on the reverse by Hunking Wentworth.
Removed from Ropes papers, Ms. N-174.
2 shillings, serial number 2705
13.4 x 11.6 cmSigned by John Rindge, Henry Sherburne & Joshua Peirce. Endorsed on the reverse by Hunking Wentworth.
Acquired from B. Wendell, Apr. 1914
2 shillings, serial number 2960
13.4 x 11.6 cmSigned by George Jaffrey, Henry Sherburne & Joshua Peirce. Endorsed on the reverse by Hunking Wentworth.
Acquired from B. Wendell, Apr. 1914
7 shillings, serial number [934]
14 x 11 cmSigned by George Jaffrey, Henry Sherburne & Joshua Peirce. Endorsed on the reverse by Hunking Wentworth.
Acquired from B. Wendell, Apr. 1914
7 shillings, serial number 3297
13.4 x 10.7 cmSigned by John Rindge, Theodore Atkinson & Joshua Peirce. Endorsed on the reverse by Hunking Wentworth.
Acquired from B. Wendell, Apr. 1914
10 shillings, serial number 1347
13.1 x 10.5 cmSigned by John Downing Jr., Samuel Smith & Andrew Wiggin. Endorsed on the reverse by Hunking Wentworth.
Acquired from B. Wendell, Apr. 1914
10 shillings, serial number 2130
13.4 x 11.6 cmSigned by George Jaffrey, Henry Sherburne & Theodore Atkinson. Endorsed on the reverse by Hunking Wentworth.
Acquired from B. Wendell, Apr. 1914
VII. New Jersey, 1756-1764
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 22 June 1756
£17,500 as the fourth war issue of Bills of Credit and £3,500 to replace worn bills. Bills 15s and under printed in black; higher denominations in red and black. Sage leafs on the reverse. Printed by James Parker. Issued in denominations of 1s, 18d, 3s, 6s, 12s, 15s, 30s, £3, £6.
1 shilling, serial number 4440, series B
5 x 10 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & Joseph Smith.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
3 shillings, serial number 300, series B
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & Joseph Smith.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
18 pence, serial number 6072, series B
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & Joseph Smith.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
12 shillings, serial number 125, series B
5.2 x 9.8 cm.Signed by John Smyth & A. Johnston.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
12 shillings, serial number 4821, series C
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & Joseph Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
15 shillings, serial number 2219, series A
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & Joseph Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
15 shillings, serial number 2228, series B
5.5 x 9.8 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & Joseph Smith.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
30 shillings, serial number 2308, series C
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & Joseph Hollinshead.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
£3, serial number 401, series A
5.2 x 10 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & A. Johnston.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
£3, serial number 788, series B
5.2 x 10 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & Joseph Smith.
£6, serial number 191
5.6 x 10.5 cm.Signed by John Smyth, Hugh Hartshorne & Samuel Smith.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
2. Issue of 20 November 1757
£30,000 as the seventh war issue of bills of credit. Faces in red and black, sage leaf reverces in black. Printed by James Parker. Issued in denominations of 6s, 15s, 30s, £3, £6.
15 shillings, serial number illegible.
5.2 x 9.5 cm.Bill in very poor condition. Serial number and signatures are illegible.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
30 shillings, serial number illegible.
5.5 x 10.2 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Hugh Hartshorne & Samuel Smith.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
£3, serial number [3582], series A.
5.6 x 9.8 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Hugh Hartshorne & Samuel Smith.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
£6, serial number 123.
5.5 x 10.8 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Hugh Hartshorne & Samuel Smith.
Acquired by exchange, 1919.
3. Issue of 1 May 1758
£50,000 as the eighth war issue of bills of credit. Faces printed in red and black; reverses in black. Printed by James Parker. Issued in denominations of 6s, 15s, 30s, £3, £6.
30 shillings, serial number 887, series A.
5.2 x 9.8 cm.Signed by Hugh Hartshorne, Samuel Nevill & A. Johnston.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
£3, serial number [1927], series A.
5 x 10 cm.Signed by Hugh Hartshorne, Samuel Nevill & Samuel Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
3. Issue of 10 April 1759
£50,000 as the tenth war issue of bills of credit. Faces printed in red and black; reverses in black. Printed by James Parker. Issued in denominations of 6s, 15s, 30s, £3, £6.
15 shillings, serial number 5052, series A.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Daniel Smith & Samuel Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
30 shillings, serial number [5205], series A.
5.4 x 10 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Daniel Smith & Samuel Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
£3, serial number [6918], series A.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Daniel Smith & A. Johnston.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
£3, serial number 248.
6 x 10.7 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Daniel Smith & A. Johnston.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
4. Issue of 12 April 1760
£45,000 as the eleventh war issue of bills of credit. Faces of 30s and above in red and black; all others in black, all backs in black. Printed by James Parker. Issued in denominations of 1s, 18d, 3s, 6s, 12s, 15s, 30s, £3, £6.
12 shillings, serial number [2586], series B.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Samuel Smith & Hugh Hartshorne.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
15 shillings, serial number 5489, series A.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Hugh Hartshorne & A. Johnston.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
5. Issue of 23 April 1761
£25,000 as the twelfth war issue of bills of credit. Faces printed in red and black; reverses in black. Printed by James Parker. Issued in denominations of 12s, 15s, 30s, £3, £6.
30 shillings, serial number 1017, series A.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Thomas Rodman & [A. Johnston].
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
6. Issue of 8 April 1762
£35,000 as the thirteenth war issue of bills of credit. Faces of all except £6 printed in red and black; reverses in black. Printed by James Parker. Issued in denominations of 12s, 15s, 30s, £3, £6.
30 shillings, serial number 3507, series B.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Thomas Rodman & Samuel Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
£3, serial number 1188, series B.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Samuel Nevill, Thomas Rodman & Samuel Smith.
£6, serial number 1196.
6 x 10.5 cm.Face printed in red and blue.
Signed by Samuel Nevill, Thomas Rodman & Samuel Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
7. Issue of 31 December 1763
£20,000 in legal tender bills of credit. Faces of £6 printed in red and blue, 30s & £3 in red and black; all others in black, all reverses in black. Printed by James Parker. Issued in denominations of 1 s, 18d, 3s, 6s, 12s, 15s, 30s, £3, £6.
1 shilling, serial number 5860, series D.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Jonathan Johnston, Richard Smith & Joseph Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
3 shillings, serial number 4182, series B.
5.3 x 9.5 cm.Signed by Jonathan Johnston, Richard Smith & Joseph Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
6 shillings, serial number 2447, series A.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Jonathan Johnston, Richard Smith & Joseph Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
18 pence, serial number 3303, series C.
5 x 9.6 cm.Signed by Jonathan Johnston, Richard Smith & Joseph Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
12 shillings, serial number 2708, series B.
5.5 x 9.8 cm.Signed by Jonathan Johnston, Richard Smith & Joseph Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
15 shillings, serial number 1624, series B.
5.4 x 10 cm.Signed by Jonathan Johnston, Richard Smith & Joseph Smith.
8. Issue of 16 April 1764
£25,000 in legal tender bills of credit. Faces of £6 printed in red and blue, all others in red and black; all reverses in black. Printed by James Parker. Issued in denominations of 12s, 15s, 30s, £3, £6.
15 shillings, serial number 968.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Jonathan Johnston, Richard Smith & Joseph Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
30 shillings, serial number 5000, series B.
5.5 x 10 cm.Signed by Jonathan Johnston, Richard Smith & S. Skinner .
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
£3, serial number 109, series C.
5.5 x 9.5 cm.Signed by Jonathan Johnston, Richard Smith & Joseph Smith.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton
VIII. New York, 1737-1771
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 10 December 1737
£48,350 in legal tender bills of credit. Engraved by Charles Le Roux. Printed by John Peter Zenger with blank backs. Issued in denominations of 5s, 10s, 20s, £2, £3, £5, £10.
10 shillings, serial number 4708.
6 x 10 cm.Signed by Peter Jay, Peter Schuyler & G. Beekman.
Acquired from Robert C. Winthrop, Nov. 1900.
£3, serial number 23763.
6 x 10.8 cm.Signed by Peter Schuyler, Peter Jay & B. Hinchman.
Acquired from Robert C. Winthrop, Nov. 1900
2. Issue of 16 February 1771
£120,000 in bills of credit receivable for taxes. Engraved by Elisha Gallaudet; printed by Hugh Gaine. Issued in denominations of 5s, 10s, £1, £2, £3, £5, £10.
5s, serial number [2646].
6.2 x 9 cm [center of note is missing].Signed by Walter Franklin, Samuel Verplanck & A. Lott.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
10s, serial number 12639.
6.5 x 9 cm.Signed by W. Franklin, [illegible] & A. Lott.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£1, serial number 36319.
7.7 x 10.7 cm.Signed by Walter Franklin, Theophylact Bache & A. Lott.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£2, serial number 15475.
7 x 10.5 cm.Signed by Samuel Verplanck, Walter Franklin & A. Lott.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£3, serial number 13771.
6.5 x 9.5 cm.Signed by Theophylact Bache, Samuel Verplanck & A. Lott.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£5, serial number 51903.
6.5 x 9.5 cm.Signed by Theophylact Bache, Samuel Verplanck & A. Lott.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£10, serial number 47296.
6.5 x 9.5 cm.Signed by Theophylact Bache, Samuel Verplanck & A. Lott.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
3. Promissory note
Blank promissory note for £5
12 x 19 cm.Note for £5 with seal of New York at top left on paper watermarked "AMERICA"
IX. North Carolina, 1754-1771
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 9 March 1754
£40,000 in indented bills of credit, legal tender at Proclamation Money rates. Issued in denominations of 4d, 8d, 1s, 2s8d, 4s, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 26s8d, 30s, 40s.
2 shillings 8 pence
6.5 x 12 cm.Mutilated bill, serial number and signers illegible.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
4 shillings
6 x 1 cm.Mutilated bill, serial number missing. Signed by Samuel Swann, Lewis De Rosset, John Swann & John Starkey.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
5 shillings
6 x 12 cm.Mutilated bill, serial number and signers except for Lewis De Rosset illegible.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
20 shillings, serial number [117]
6 x 12.5 cm.Double printed. Signed by Samuel Swann, Leis De Rosset, John Swann & John Starkey. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
30 shillings
6.5 x 12.3 cm.Mutilated bill, serial number lacking. Signed by John Starkey, John Swann, Samuel Swann & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
40 shillings
6.2 x 12 cm.Mutilated bill, serial number lacking. Signed by John Starkey, John Swann, Samuel Swann & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
2. Issue of 14 July 1760
£12,000 in bills of credit, made legal tender at Proclamation Money rates. Issued in denominations of 4d, 6d, 1s, 2s8d, 5s, 10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, £3.
20 shillings, serial number [328]
6.5 x 7 cm.Mutilated bill, serial number lacking. Signed by John Starkey, John Swann, Samuel Swann & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
20 shillings, serial number [8591]
7 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Richard Caswell, James Hasell, Thomas C. Howe & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
30 shillings, serial number 719
6.5 x 8 cm.Signed by John Starkey, John Swann, Samuel Swann & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
£3, serial number 365
6.2 x 12 cm.Mutilated bill, serial number lacking. Signed by John Starkey, John Swann, Samuel Swann & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
3. Issue of 23 April 1761
£20,000 in bills of credit, made legal tender at Proclamation Money rates. Issued in denominations of 4d, 6d, 8d, 1s, 2s, 2s6d, 3s, 4s, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 30s, 40s, £3.
20 shillings
6.5 x 8.7 cm.Mutilated bill, serial number lacking. Signed by John Starkey, John Swann, Samuel Swann & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
4. Issue of December 1768
£20,000 in debenture bills, payable in Proclamation Money after June 10, 1772. Issued in denominations of 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 20s, 40s, £3, £5.
5 shillings, serial number 436
6.5 x 8.6 cm.Signed by R. Caswell, James Hassell, Lewis De Rosset & Thomas C. Howe. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
40 shillings, serial number 2878
7 x 8.5 cm.Signed by R. Caswell, James Hassell, Lewis De Rosset & Thomas C. Howe. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
5. Issue of December 1771
£60,000 in debenture bills, payable in Proclamation Money. Issued in denominations of 1s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 30s, £1, £2, £3, £5.
5 shillings, serial number 607
5.5 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Richard Caswell, John Harvey, John Rutherfurd & Lewis De Rosset.
30 shillings, serial number 1577
5.8 x 9.7 cm.Signed by Richard Caswell, John Harvey, John Rutherfurd & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
£1, serial number 5053
5 x 9 cm.Signed by Richard Caswell, John Harvey, John Rutherfurd & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
£2, serial number 1473
7.6 x 11 cm.Signed by Richard Caswell, John Harvey, John Rutherfurd & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
£3, serial number 2596
6.4 x 10 cm.Signed by Richard Caswell, John Harvey, John Rutherfurd & Lewis De Rosset. Multiple endorsements on reverse.
X. Pennsylvania, 1757-1789
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 10 March 1757
£45,000 in legal tender bills. Printed by Benjamin Franklin and David Hall. Issued in denominations of 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s.
20 shillings, serial number [?38], series B
9 x 7.5 cm.Signed by Peter Reeve, H. Harrison, & Joseph Morris.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
2. Issue of 1 July 1757
£55,000 in legal tender bills. Printed by Benjamin Franklin and David Hall. Issued in denominations of 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s.
15 shillings, serial number [513], series A
8.5 x 7.3 cm.Signatures illegible.
Acquired from Esther Goodale.
20 shillings, serial number 18592, series B
9 x 7.3 cm.Signed by Joseph Stretch, Thomas Gordon & John Lynn.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
3. Issue of 20 May 1758
£100,000 in legal tender bills. Printed by Benjamin Franklin and David Hall. Issued in denominations of 1s, 18d, 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s.
20 shillings, serial number illegible, series B
8.5 x 6.6 cm.Signed by Charles Thomson, Joseph Stretch.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
4. Issue of 1 May 1760
£100,000 in bills. Printed by Benjamin Franklin and David Hall. Issued in denominations of 3d, 4d, 6d, 9d, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 50s, £5.
10 shillings, serial number 5258, series B
9 x 7.2 cm. (torn in half)Signed by Thomas Tilbury, Joseph King, & Thomas Gordon.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
20 shillings, serial number 5403, series A
9 x 7.2 cm.(torn in half)Signed by Thomas Tilbury, Joseph King, & Thomas Gordon.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
15 shillings, serial number 5162, series B
9 x 7.2 cm. (torn in half)Signed by Jonathan Evans, Matthew Drason, & John Jervis.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£5, serial number 44457, series A
8.5 x 6.9 cm.Signed by Joseph Saunders, Joseph Morris & Henry Harrison.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£5, serial number [6450], series B
8.5 x 6.5 cm.Signed by Thomas Tilbury, Joseph King, & Thomas Gordon.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
5. Issue of 18 June 1764
£55,000 in legal tender bills. Printed by Benjamin Franklin and David Hall. Issued in denominations of 3d, 4d, 6d, 9d, 1s, 1s6d, 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 20s.
2 shillings 6 pence, serial number illegible, series A
6.5 x 8.5 cm. (torn in half)Signatures illegible.
Note torn in 2, badly discolored.
10 shillings, serial number 14110, series B
9 x 7 cm. (torn in half)Signed by Samuel Neave, Joseph Stretch & John Bringhurst.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
20shillings, serial number 78253, series B
8.5 x 7 cm.Signed by Samuel Neave, Joseph Stretch & John Bringhurst.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
6. Issue of 10 March 1769
£14,000 in bills known as "Bettering House Money," authorized by an act for the relief and employment of the poor in Philadelphia. Printed by Hall & Sellers. Issued in denominations of 3d, 4d, 6d, 9d, 1s, 18d, 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s.
1 shilling, serial number [16748]
9 x 7 cm. (mutilated)Signed by Joseph Wharton Jr. & Abel James.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
18 pence, serial number 26410
8.8 x 7 cm. (mutilated)Signed by thomas Say & Abel James.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
2 shillings 6 pence, serial number 2168, series B
9.5 x 7.3 cm. (mutilated)Signed by Stephen Collins, Luke Morris & James Penrose.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
10 shillings, serial number 76
8 x 9 cm.Signed by Abel James, Joseph Fox, & Thomas Say.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
7. Issue of 20 March 1771
£15,000 in bills authorized by the act for the defence of Philadelphia, but used for paving streets. Printed by David Hall and William Sellers. Issued in denominations of 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s.
5 shillings, serial number 3374, series A
7 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Robert Strettell Jones, Francis Hopkinson, & William Fisher.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
10 shillings, serial number 3595, series A
9.8 x 7.5 cm.Signed by Robert Strettell Jones, Francis Hopkinson, & William Fisher.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
15 shillings, serial number 1283, series A
9.6 x 7.8 cm.Signed by Stephen Collins, Jacob Shoemaker, & Joshua Howell.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
20 shillings, serial number 1088, series B
9.5 x 7.8 cm.Signed by Joel Evans, Thomas Mifflin, & Joseph Morris.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
8. Issue of 3 April 1772
£25,000 in bills issued pursuant to the act of 21 March 1772. Border cuts engraved by James Smither. Printed by David Hall and William Sellers. Issued in denominations of 3d, 4d, 6d, 9d, 1s, 18d, 2s, 2s6d, 40s.
6 pence, serial number 29861, series A
6.5 x 6.7 cm.Signed by John Morton.
6 pence, serial number 25758, series B
7 x 6 cm.Signature illegible.
9 pence, serial number illegible
6.2 x 5.3 cm.Signed by Thomas Clifford.
1 shilling, serial number 30975, series A
8.5 x 7 cm.Signed by John Morton, John Sellers & Charles Humphreys.
On deposit from SPNEA
18 pence, serial number 13822, series A
9.2 x 7.3 cm.Signed by Samuel Coates, Joseph Dean & illegible signature.
18 pence, serial number 7116, series B
8.6 x 7.2 cm.Signed by Joseph Swift, Anthony Morris, & Samuel Hudson.
18 pence, serial number 4529, series A
8.5 x 6.5 cm.Signed by Joseph Swift, Anthony Morris & Samuel Hudson.
2 shillings, serial number 31197, series A
6.8 x 8.5 cm.Signed by John Sellers & 2 others.
2 shillings, serial number 7098, series B
7 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Anthony Morris, Joseph Swift & Samuel Hudson.
2 shillings 6 pence, serial number 4724, series B
6.2 x 8 cm.Signed by Anthony Morris, Joseph Swift & Samuel Hudson.
2 shillings 6 pence, serial number [28076], series B
7.5 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Thomas Coombe, Samuel Pleasants & one other.
9. Issue of 20 March 1773
£12,000 in bills for the construction of the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse. Printed by David Hall and William Sellers. Issued in denominations of 4s, 6s, 14s, 16s.
4 shillings, serial number 4589, series A
7.5 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Jacob Winey, Charles Jervis & one other illegible.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
6 shillings, serial number 1106, series B
7 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Benjamin Shoemaker & two others illegible.
14 shillings, serial number 3676, series A
9 x 7.5 cm.Signed by Henry Keppele, Jr., Benjamin Shoemaker & John Steinmetz.
16 shillings, serial number 5021, series A
9 x 7.5 cm.Signed by John Steinmetz, Benjamin Shoemaker & one other illegible.
16 shillings, serial number illegible, series B
9 x 7 cm.Signed by John Steinmetz, Benjamin Shoemaker & one other illegible.
16 shillings, serial number 3037, series A
8.5 x 7 cm.Signed by John Steinmetz, Henry Keppele, Jr. & one other illegible.
10. Issue of 1 October 1773
£150,000 in bills to revive the loan office. Printed by David Hall and William Sellers. Issued in denominations of 18d, 2s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 50s.
18 pence, serial number 1142
6.6 x 8.7 cm.Signed by Samuel Fisher, Stephen Carmick & George Emlen Jr..
18 pence, serial number 8516
6.8 x 9 cm.Signed by James Hartley, Alexander Tod & Joseph Mifflin.
2 shillings, serial number 24944
7 x 8.8 cm.Signed by James Stephens, Thomas Leech & one illegible.
2 shillings 6 pence, serial number 2933
6.5 x 9 cm.Signed by Mordecai Lewis, Joseph Allen & [Jacob Harman]
5 shillings, serial number 15712
7.2 x 9.2 cm.Signed by Joseph Allen, Mordecai Lewis & Jacob Harman.
5 shillings, serial number 21795
7 x 8.7 cm.Signed by William Wishart, Isaac Wharton & Richard Willing.
10 shillings, serial number 7115
8.8 x 7 cm.Signed by Benjamin Morgan, Barnaby Barnes & William Fisher Jr.
10 shillings, serial number 19351
8.7 x 7cm.Signed by William Fisher Jr., Benjamin Morgan & Barnaby Barnes.
15 shillings, serial number 26959
9 x 6.5cm.Signed by James Stephens, William Crispin & Thomas Leech.
20 shillings, serial number 2800
9 x 6.5 cm.Signed by Jacob Harman, Mordecai Lewis & Joseph Allen.
20 shillings, serial number 7710
9 x 6.9 cm.Signed by John Field, Abraham Usher & Charles Meredith.
20 shillings, serial number 15440
9 x 6.8 cm.Signed by Barnaby Barnes, Benjamin Morgan & William Fisher Jr.
50 shillings, serial number 23762
9 x7 cm.Signed by Benjamin Marshall, Joseph Pemberton & Thomas Leech.
50 shillings, serial number 28113
9 x 6.8 cm.Signed by Thomas Leech, William Crispin & James Stephens.
10. Issue of 16 March 1785
£150,000 in bills printed by Francis Bailey.
18 pence, serial number illegible
6.2 x 10 cm.Signed by Charles Risk.
B. Private issues
1. Issue of 5 September 1789
Small change notes issued at Carlisle, Penn. by John Wray and James Lamberton. Printed by Kline & Reynolds. Issued in denominations of 1d and 3d.
1 pence, serial number 155
5 x 9 cm.Signed by James Lamberton.
1 pence, serial number 89 & 90
14 x 10.5 cm.Signed by James Lamberton & John Wray.
2 notes on 1 sheet
3 pence, unnumbered
13.5 x 10.2 cm.Unsigned.
2 notes on 1 sheet
XI. Rhode Island, 1726-1786
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 14 June 1726
Indented bills of credit originally issued 14 June 1726 and redated 1728, 1731, and 1733 on the same plates. Printed by Samuel Vernon. Issued in denominations of 20s, 40s, £3, £5.
20 shillings, redated to 1733, serial number [2864]
13 x 10 cm.Mutilated. Signed by John Gardner, George Goulding & Jahleel Brenton.
20 shillings, redated to 1737, serial number illegible
3 small fragments.Mutilated. Signed by John Gardner, & two illegible.
60 shillings, serial number illegible
4 small fragments.Mutilated. Signatures illegible.
2. Issue of 15 August 1737
£30,000 in engraved bills of credit to exchange for half and quarter sections of bills from prior issues. Printed by Samuel Vernon, Jr. Issued in denominations of £1, £2, £3, £5.
£3, serial number illegible
10 small fragments.Mutilated. Signed by John Gardner, & two illegible.
3. Issue of 22 August 1738
£10,000 in small denomination bills of credit. Engraved and printed by William Claggett. Issued in denominations of 1s, 2s6d, 3s, 5s, 7s6d, 10s.
2 shillings, reprint from original plate
11 x 8.5 cm.Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
3 shillings, reprint from original plate
11 x 8.5 cm.Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
3 shillings, serial number illegible.
2 fragments.5 shillings, reprint from original plate
11 x 8.5 cm.Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
7 shillings 6 pence, reprint from original plate
11 x 8.5 cm.Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
4. Issue of 14 February 1743
£40,000 in New Tenor bills of credit, known as the "Eighth Bank." Issued in denominations of 4d, 6d, 1s, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 20s, 40s. Issued with new dates in 1744/5, 1746, 1746/7, 1747/8
4 pence, partial serial number 550[?]
1 small fragment.6 pence, redated 1746, serial number missing.
4 small fragments.Signed by [Edward Scott, Gideon Wanton & Benjamin Nichols]
1 shilling, serial number 8565
4 small fragments.Signed by Gideon Wanton, other signatures lacking.
1 shilling, serial number lacking.
2 small fragments.Signatures lacking.
1 shilling, serial number 8771
7 fragments.Signed by [George Brown], other signatures missing.
2 shillings 6 pence, serial number lacking.
fragment of top portion.Signatures lacking.
10 shillings, serial number lacking
4 small fragments.Signed by Gideon Wanton, George Brown & Edward Scott.
[40 shillings] fragment, serial number lacking.
2 small fragments.Signatures lacking.
£2, redated 1746, serial number 2350
14.5 x 9.8 cm.Signed by Gideon Wanton, [Edward Scott] & one illegible .
5. Issue of 18 March 1750
62,500 ounces of silver of sterling alloy in bills of credit, known as the "Ninth Bank." Issued in sterling values of 15 g. 1 dwt (pennyweight), 2 dwt, 6 dwt, 12 dwt, 1 oz., 2 oz, 5 oz. Reissued with date of 1755 and "Crown-Point" added to the back text.
12 dwt (£2 Old Tenor), redated 1755. Serial number 1401
14 x 9 cm.Signed by Joshua Babcock, Benjamin Nichols & Jeremiah Lippitt
1 oz, 5 dwt, [fantasy denomination].
14 x 9 cm.Inscribed on back, Jeremiah Colburn Esq., Boston with regards of Henry Baylas. Davenport Iowa.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
6. Issue of May 1786 Session
£100,000 in legal tender bills of credit, known as the "Tenth Bank." Issued in denominations of 6d, 9d, 1s, 2s6d, 3s, 5s, 6s, 10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, £3. Four lowest denominations have blank backs. Printed by Southwick and Barber.
6 pence, Serial number 11512
10.2 x 7 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen & Job Comstock.
9 pence, Serial number 2153
10.2 x 7 cm.Signed by Elijah Cobb & one illegible.
9 pence, Serial number 11076
16 x 9.5 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen & Job Comstock.
Acquired from Geo. L. Shepley, Aug. 1918
1 shilling, Serial number 8148
10.5 x 7 cm.Signed by N. Knight & Job Comstock.
1 shilling, Serial number 11539
10.5 x 7 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen & Job Comstock.
2 shillings 6 pence, Serial number 11572
10 x 7 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen & Job Comstock.
2 shillings 6 pence, Serial number 11076
15 x 10 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen & Job Comstock.
Acquired from George L. Shepley, Aug. 1918
3 shillings, Serial number 10965
10 x 7 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen & N. Knight.
5 shillings, Serial number 4333
12 x 7.5 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen & Jonathan Hazard.
6 shillings, Serial number 572
11.5 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen & N. Knight.
10 shillings, Serial number 9512
10.2 x 7 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen & Jonathan Hazard.
20 shillings, Serial number 9885
10.8 x 7 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen, N. Knight & Jonathan Hazard.
30 shillings, Serial number 2133
10 x 7.5 cm.Signed by Jonathan Hazard & N. Knight (third signature trimmed off).
30 shillings, Serial number 4576
9.7 x 7 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen, Jonathan Hazard & Elijah Cobb.
40 shillings, Serial number 3027
10.5 x 7 cm.Signed by Jonathan Hazard, Samuel Allen & N. Knight.
£3, Serial number 2886
10.7 x 7.6 cm.Signed by Samuel Allen, N. Knight & Elijah Cobb.
XII. Virginia, 1759-1773
A. Official issues
1. Issue of 5 April 1759
£52,000 in legal tender Treasury Notes redeemable without interest by 20 April 1768. Issued in denominations of 1s, 1s3d, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 20s, £2, £3, £5.
£5, serial number 1414
6.5 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & Robert Carter Nicholas. Multiple endorsements on verso.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
2. Issue of 11 March 1760
£20,000 in legal tender Treasury Notes redeemable by 20 October 1769. Issued in denominations of 1s, 1s3d, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 20s, £2, £3, £5.
£2, serial number 813
6.5 x 8.2 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & Robert Carter Nicholas. Multiple endorsements on verso.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£3, serial number 51
6.5 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & Robert Carter Nicholas. Multiple endorsements on verso.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£5 (100 shillings), serial number 157
6.5 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & Robert Carter Nicholas. Multiple endorsements on verso.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
3. Issue of 24 May 1760
£32,000 in legal tender Treasury Notes redeemable by 20 October 1769. Issued in denominations of 1s, 1s3d, 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 20s, £2, £3, £5.
£3, serial number 652
6.5 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & Robert Carter Nicholas. Multiple endorsements on verso.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£5, serial number 739
6.5 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & Robert Carter Nicholas. Multiple endorsements on verso.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
4. Issue of 7 April 1762
£30,000 in legal tender Treasury Notes redeemable by 20 October 1769. Issued in denominations of 2s6d, 5s, 10s, 20s, £2, £3, £5.
£2, serial number 168
6.8 x 8.5 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & Robert Carter Nicholas. Multiple endorsements on verso.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£3, serial number 54[?]
7 x 9 cm. [upper right corner torn off]Signed by Peyton Randolph & Robert Carter Nicholas. Multiple endorsements on verso.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
£5, serial number 1281
6.7 x 9 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & Robert Carter Nicholas. Multiple endorsements on verso.
Acquired from William Sumner Appleton.
5. Issue of 4 March 1773
£36,384 in indented notes to be substituted for Treasurer's Promissory notes issued on James River Bank forms. Engraved by Harry Ashby of London & printed in England. Issued in denominations of 20s, £2, £3, £5.
£5, serial number 7/1013
13 x 16 cm.Signed by B. Dandridge & John Blair. Countersigned by Robert Carter Nicholas on verso.
£5, serial number 2/566
12 x 16.5 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & John Blair. Countersigned by Robert Carter Nicholas on verso.
6. 1 April 1773 James River Bank forms
£36,384 in treasurer's promissory notes. Issued in denominations of 20s, £3, £5, £8, £12
20s, serial number 32/3156
7.5 x 16.5 cm.Signed by Peyton Randolph & John Blair and by Robert Carter Nicholas, Treasr.
7. 17 July 1775
Repurposed 1773 notes engraved by Harry Ashby issued after the supply of rag paper for small 17 July 1775 notes was exhausted. Issued in denominations of 20s, £2, £3, £5.
£3, serial number 1/65
12.5 x 16.5 cm.Signed by Philip Johnson & John Tazewell. Countersigned by Robert Carter Nicholas, Treasr. on verso.
8. Issue of 16 October 1780
£6,000,000 in legal tender bills. Issued in denominations of $50, $100, $200, $300, $400, $500
$500, serial number 9758
7.5 x 9.4 cm.Signed by J. M. Simmons, John Lyne & J. Hopkins.
Preferred Citation
Early paper money of America, Massachusetts Historical Society.
Access Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in ABIGAIL, the online catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related persons, organizations, or subjects should search the catalog using these headings.