July 8, 1775, Colony of the Massachusetts Bay, Revolutionary War Period, Paul Revere Engraved Colonial Currency Note, Six Shillings, Due Date of May 25th, 1776, with Six Percent Interest Payable, Ex: Ford-Boyd, PCGS graded Very Fine-25.
Fr. MA-149. An exceedingly rare early Revolutionary War issue, the Paul Revere engraved Copper-Plate being Printed on heavy laid period paper, and is vastly more rare than the May 25, 1775 issue. This remarkably well preserved note has excellent centering and print quality within four full large margins on all sides, and is clearly Signed by L. Robinson and H(enry) Gardner in rich brown ink. This note is further superior to most as the signature of Henry Gardner as Receiver General is Not Canceled, as are virtually all others. This clean pleasing note measures 163mm x 78mm. Uniface in design, the blank reverse is very clean and free of distractions.

This Six-Shillings is the lowest denomination on the Act, for which only 540 notes were authorized to be printed and were to be recalled just one year later into the treasury with its 6% Interest paid. Plus, the lowest denomination was likely to receive the heaviest circulation and wear in commerce. This note is extraordinary that it exists to this day. The July 8th, 1775 issue of Copper-Plate Notes engraved by Paul Revere are Unpriced in the Newman reference, being a testament to their extreme rarity, and for this issue overall. This note has impressive eye appeal for the issue, and the minor well repaired splits as mentioned on the holder are minimal and should be easily neglected by colonial currency specialists. Listed in Very Fine grade in the 2008, 5th edition of Newman, “The Early Paper Money of America” page 207 at $9,000. This opportunity is as rare as the note itself.

Pedigree Ex: F.C.C. Boyd Estate; Stack’s sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part X, May, 2005, Lot 4637.