Early Paper Money of America / Pennsylvania / 1785 March 16 Act

Pennsylvania Bank of North America August 6, 1789 3 Pence or $3/90 Fr. PA-274, Haxby PA-465 G16, Newman page 364.PCGS Choice About New 55 Apparent. An intriguing note issued by this first bank chartered by Congress. These small bills were distinctive and essential to make change before the United States Mint became operational in 1793. This small typeset bill has ornate face borders and the engraved signature of Tench Francis in block letters. It was printed on white woven paper with a striking back showing polychrome marbling, a technique also used on the early French issue U.S. Loan certificates (Anderson-Smythe US-1). The paper was manufactured by James Whatman of London and brought back by Benjamin Franklin to his grandson's printing shop. Dual denominations show "Three Pence" and "Three Ninetieths of a Dollar." The ornate back has a framed pattern at the center surrounded by floral ornaments; the imprint reads: "Printed by B[enjamin]. F[ranklin]. Bache." Noted with a "Small Edge Split in Bottom Margin near Center." The color and eye appeal are excellent, and the note type often difficult to find. This example is illustrated on the color plates of the fifth edition of The Early Paper Money of America on page 54. An early American classic with an important Benjamin Franklin association. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society

From Newman VIII (Heritage Auctions, 11/2017), lot 28129, realized $2880. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

Pennsylvania Bank of North America August 6, 1789 3 Pence or $3/90 Fr. PA-274, Haxby PA-465 G16, Newman page 364.PCGS Choice About New 55 Apparent. An intriguing note issued by this first bank chartered by Congress. These small bills were distinctive and essential to make change before the United States Mint became operational in 1793. This small typeset bill has ornate face borders and the engraved signature of Tench Francis in block letters. It was printed on white woven paper with a striking back showing polychrome marbling, a technique also used on the early French issue U.S. Loan certificates (Anderson-Smythe US-1). The paper was manufactured by James Whatman of London and brought back by Benjamin Franklin to his grandson's printing shop. Dual denominations show "Three Pence" and "Three Ninetieths of a Dollar." The ornate back has a framed pattern at the center surrounded by floral ornaments; the imprint reads: "Printed by B[enjamin]. F[ranklin]. Bache." Noted with a "Small Edge Split in Bottom Margin near Center." The color and eye appeal are excellent, and the note type often difficult to find. This example is illustrated on the color plates of the fifth edition of The Early Paper Money of America on page 54. An early American classic with an important Benjamin Franklin association. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society

From Newman VIII (Heritage Auctions, 11/2017), lot 28129, realized $2880. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.