| Description |
Colony of Connecticut July 10, 1733 5 Shillings Fr. CT-44a. PCGS Very Fine 25 Apparent. The "Tall" Bills of Credit from New England include many of the rarest and most historic note issues from the colonial series. That great rarity has made them less accessible and generally limited to advanced collections, such as Boyd, T. James Clarke, Roper, and Newman. The sale of the Boyd Bills of Credit in May 2005 (Ford III) was a once in a lifetime event and included many unique "Tall" bills. Some of the rarest are from Connecticut, and this first Newman Collection currency sale is fortunate to have three different examples. This extremely rare note, serial number 5478, is from the first issue, and not re-dated. It is the plate note in Eric P. Newman's reference, The Early Paper Money of America, 5th Edition. Printed on laid paper by Timothy Green. This is a very stylish face design with a crowned cartouche, fine filigree across the top, and the obligation in the center. The running fox used on the 5 shilling notes is above the three nicely accomplished signatures, and the crowned arms are at lower left. The block printed back shows type ornaments at the top. Noted are Splits and Repairs; Minor Damage; Stained; Mounting Remnants on Back." This is from an interesting series of notes that often were cut into fractions and circulated as change. However, that practice made it easier to pass cut up counterfeits. Despite the imperfections from use, the note is natural and devoid of modern restorations. It has a positive appearance overall, and its great rarity is without question. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $6,168.75. Newman VI (Heritage Auctions, 4/2015), lot 19452. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
