Lot 1006
Massachusetts Currency - May 25, 1775 Soldier Note. Because of restrictions imposed by the British Parliament, no paper money was printed in Massachusetts after 1750 until this note was issued on May 25, 1775. After the opening salvos of the Revolution took place at Lexington and Concord on April 19th, the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts authorized an emission of £25, 998 in paper currency to use as advance pay for recruits; the currency was called "Soldier Notes" and was the first emission printed by Paul Revere.
This ten shilling note is signed by Henry Gardner, the Massachusetts Receiver General, and countersigned by Abraham Fuller ("Abr. Fuller"). It is indented with an acanthus leaf design on the left, under which is engraved "[Americ]an Paper". At top left "Colony of the Massachusetts Bay" is engraved; at top center is the handwritten serial number "4170", under which is the day and issue in white numbers on a black background; the year of redemption, 1776, also appears in white on a black background. Cancelled with x's over Gardner's signature. Only 4,333 examples of this note were printed. Size is 3¼" x 6½" (77 x 172 mm). Light toning and foxing; one archival fold repair on verso. A fine example.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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