NNP

Virginia April 1, 1773 5 Pounds James River Bank Form Fr. VA-64. PCGS Very Fine 30 Apparent. Following the uniface, square format notes, Virginia currency became more diverse in appearance and styles. The James River Bank forms from Virginia are a rather unique-looking series of notes. They were issued in two series, with those from April 1, 1773, scarcer. The face shows an indenting pattern and a small ship vignette at the left. Fine engraved texts are across the notes, with blank spaces for the handwritten denominations. Printed backs feature ornamental bordering and the counterfeit warning. The blank notes, prior to being filled in for issuance, were in books of 100 notes (making the serial number here 45/4431 or part of the "45th hundred" notes). This is the Newman plate note illustrated on page 442 of the fifth edition. It is a bold, high-grade type note from the series. Very vibrant, with fresh and natural paper. Signed by Peyton Randolph, John Blair, and Robert Carter Nicholas. Well printed and with a nicely cut indent at the left end. The top cut is a bit slanted, but this only affects some of the ornaments. Noted by grading with "Minor Mounting Remnants." This is another undervalued series of Colonial notes, especially in such excellent grade. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society

From Newman VIII (Heritage Auctions, 11/2017), lot 28159, realized $2640. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.