November 15, 1775, South Carolina Colonial Currency, Two Pounds Note,with Vignette of a “Hand of Friendship versus a Hand Holding a Dagger” its Latin Motto Translates “Accept Whichever of These You Prefer”, Contemporary Period Marbled Wallpaper Backed, Fine.
Fr. SC-110. This very rare early Revolutionary War period South Carolina note was backed long ago with a colorful contemporary period marbled wallpaper to reinforce the splitting centerfold. Only 10,000 notes were authorized to be printed by the Provincial Congress and were printed by James Oliphant. This Two Pounds note is one of the highest denominations. It displays a unique, unmistakable vignette design at the lower right with a thematic “Hand of Friendship versus a Hand Holding a Dagger” design at lower right which is well printed and has a “1775” date. The engraver’s theme is either the British accept American Colonial terms for Independence and freedom or the bloody Revolutionary War will continue. This note has well printed text. The signatures are present but mostly faded with T. Middleton barely readable. There is some early repair to the upper right corner. After 250 years this Uniface note remains quite even in its overall appearance, the face easily worthy of collecting. The Friedberg reference lists no value just “Very Rare” and the 2008 5th edition of Newman shows $1,175 in Fine condition. Overall, a most acceptable example of this important South Carolina Revolutionary War rarity having the added feature of being backed with colorful contemporary period marbled wallpaper.