Early Paper Money of America / Massachusetts / 1750

Lawful Money of Massachusetts-Bay 1750 $1/8 or Nine Pence Fr. MA-138. PCGS Very Fine 35 Apparent. This fascinating and distinctive note, one of three denominations known to us from the entire series, is likely unique. It is a historic issue since it was the final enactment from Massachusetts before a 25-year note-issuing hiatus ushered in by the British Parliament's restrictions on North American paper money issuance. The great rarity of 1750 Massachusetts change notes leads to the conclusion that most of them were redeemed. The small, horizontal format contains magnificent engraving details. Beautiful scrollwork creates a cartouche for the denomination, issuer, and date. Signed by Bordman and Watts. At the lower left is The Garter Seal (the style similar to late George III coinage). A pine tree seal with the motto RESTITUIT REM (The situation has been restored) is at the lower right. The scales of Justice are at top center, and a codfish is at bottom center. This is an interesting blend of Massachusetts and Royal emblems. Bright and full size. The paper is strong and exhibits embossing to its blank back. Noted with "Small Edge Splits; Pinholes." An outstanding rarity and the first example from the 1750 issue offered at auction since the Boyd collection pair at Ford Part III in May 2004. Only Boyd's $1/16 note is superior, and it realized $13,800 at that sale. Cataloged at auction for the first time, this note combines extraordinary rarity, beauty, and pedigree. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society

From Newman VIII (Heritage Auctions, 11/2017), lot 28046, realized $20400. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.

Lawful Money of Massachusetts-Bay 1750 $1/8 or Nine Pence Fr. MA-138. PCGS Very Fine 35 Apparent. This fascinating and distinctive note, one of three denominations known to us from the entire series, is likely unique. It is a historic issue since it was the final enactment from Massachusetts before a 25-year note-issuing hiatus ushered in by the British Parliament's restrictions on North American paper money issuance. The great rarity of 1750 Massachusetts change notes leads to the conclusion that most of them were redeemed. The small, horizontal format contains magnificent engraving details. Beautiful scrollwork creates a cartouche for the denomination, issuer, and date. Signed by Bordman and Watts. At the lower left is The Garter Seal (the style similar to late George III coinage). A pine tree seal with the motto RESTITUIT REM (The situation has been restored) is at the lower right. The scales of Justice are at top center, and a codfish is at bottom center. This is an interesting blend of Massachusetts and Royal emblems. Bright and full size. The paper is strong and exhibits embossing to its blank back. Noted with "Small Edge Splits; Pinholes." An outstanding rarity and the first example from the 1750 issue offered at auction since the Boyd collection pair at Ford Part III in May 2004. Only Boyd's $1/16 note is superior, and it realized $13,800 at that sale. Cataloged at auction for the first time, this note combines extraordinary rarity, beauty, and pedigree. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society

From Newman VIII (Heritage Auctions, 11/2017), lot 28046, realized $20400. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.