| Description |
Continental Currency November 29, 1775 $3 Fr. CC-13. PCGS Very Choice New 64PPQ. A beautiful example with the Hall & Sellers imprint on the nature-print back. Nearly a full Gem, and rare in this condition. The second resolution of Continental Currency authorized eight denominations, $1 through $8, which differ from the May 10, 1775, series by having the denomination engraved under the emblem rather than after the obligation text. On this denomination, the circular emblem seen at the right shows an eagle and heron (Franklin calls it a crane) fighting, along with the motto EXITUS IN DUBIO EST (The outcome is in doubt). Franklin's account in the Gazette admonishes the eagle, representing Great Britain, "not to presume on its superior strength, since a weaker bird may wound it mortally." As noted in the 5th edition of EPMOA, the "emblems and mottoes for $1 through $7 and the face $30 denominations were taken from the 1702 Mainz edition of Symbolorum ac Emblematum by Joachim Camerarius, which book was in Franklin's library." (Eric's rare four-part reference, an earlier Frankfurt edition, is being offered in the Newman XI Library sale.) The highly detailed nature-print back, showing skeletonized elm and maple fruit, is perpendicular to the face. Superior, even margins all around the perimeter complement its near perfect face-to-back registration. Better than the Choice New 63PPQ we sold in Newman VIII on November 1, 2017, for $1,920. Exceeding that amount is logical, and this is a perfect fit for any collection. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20041, realized $3120. |
