NNP

Burlington, NJ - James Craft 4 Pence August 6, 1776 Newman page 262, Wait 247. PCGS Fine 15 Apparent. The private and municipal change notes comprise an interesting and less studied area of Colonial currency. They form a fascinating genre of "paper coins," and are eminently collectible with Colonial coins listed in the "Red Book." Like several of these notes in the Newman Collection, this is an exceedingly rare and possibly unique Revolutionary War period private scrip note. James Craft issued two series, and the Newman Collection had representatives of both. This is the Newman plate note, illustrated on page 262 of the 5th edition. The issuer was not in the James DuPont Collection; that definitive collection of Colonial era private issuer notes was auctioned by R.M. Smythe & Co. in two sales in 1993. Uniface and printed on laid paper. An ornamental border around contains the obligation, date, and space for the signature. The motto at the top is NIL DESPERANDUM. (Never lose hope) over a solid line. At the bottom is "A & H." Noted only with "Repaired Splits." The eye appeal is considerable. We handled only one note from this issuer and date. The August 6, 1776 9 pence Craft note we sold in January 2016 graded Very Fine 35 Apparent sold for $2,530. This note boasts the Newman pedigree, and the denomination might be unique. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society, Heritage Auctions Internet Sale (1/2017), lot 90128. (Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.) Realized $1292.50.