June 15, 1780-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Unique Partially-Printed Fiscal Document, State of Pennsylvania, Army Certificate, Low Issued Number “3”, “for provisions Supplied the Army,” Printed by Francis Bailey, Philadelphia, Type Not Known to or Listed in Anderson, Choice Very Fine+.
Rarity-10 (Unique). Major Fiscal Type Not Listed in the Anderson reference, “THE PRICE OF LIBERTY - The Public Debt of The American Revolution.” This Partially-Printed Army Certificate, with unspecified paid interest, is Pursuant to the June 1, 1780 Act passed, and is Signed, “Thomas Loring, Commiss(ioner).” This form is made to “Ellias Rosenberry” for 667 Dollars, “...being for one Two year old Heifer...”. This Certificate appears somewhat similar in typeset and overall design to that listed in Anderson for PA-4, however this form’s text and usage is completely different. Printed by Francis Bailey, with similar outer border designs and text.

After five decades of specialization in the area of Colonial and Revolutionary War Era pre-1800 American fiscal material, this cataloger has never seen or offered another example. This is unique as no other has been recorded to date. This Certificate bears the Low Seal Number “3”, at this point, only two other possible examples may have been written, though most likely no longer exist. This Pennsylvania Army Certificate reads, in full:

“No. 3 - CERTIFICATE FOR 667. DOLLARS. - I DO HEREBY CERTIFY, THAT THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA IS INDEBTED TO (ELIAS ROSENBERRY) IN THE SUM OF (SIX HUNDRED AND SIXTY SEVEN) DOLLARS, BEING FOR (ONE RED TWO YEAR OLD HEIFER) WHICH SUM BY CONTRACT BECAME DUE TO THE SAID (ELIAS ROSENBERRY) THE (FIFTEENTH) DAY OF (JUNE) FOR PROVISIONS SUPPLIED THE ARMY, PERSUANT TO AN ACT OF ASSEMBLY PASSED THE 1ST OF JUNE, 1780. - GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AT (SPRINGFIELD) IN THE STATE OF (PENNSYLVANIA) THE (15TH) DAY OF (JUNE) A.D. (1780.) - (Signed) THOMAS LONG COMM.”

This 1780 Pennsylvania Revolutionary War Debt Certificate measures 3.75” x 8.25” and is in Choice Very Fine or better. The blank reverse side is both noted and endorsed as being submitted and paid on June 18, 1785, being Signed, “Jno. (John) Nicholson,” Comptroller Generals Office, and by the certificate’s owner, “Ellias Rosenbury” (likely a farmer who is listed on the Pennsylvania, U.S., Septennial Census, 1779-1863 Tax lists from Bucks County, Pa.).

Colonial Currency, Historic Paper Money, Early Paper Money of America, Revolutionary War Money, Colonial America, Printing Paper Money, Revolutionary War, George Washington, Continental Congress, Independence Hall, Fiat Currency, War Taxes, Benjamin Franklin, Revolutionary War Bond