Object Details
maker
Maryland
Description (Brief)
One (1) 1 2/3 dollar note
Maryland, 1775
Obverse Image: Patriotic scene depicts King George III setting fire to the city of Baltimore.
Obverse Text: (126) / [NO. 38663] / ONE DOLLAR AND TWO THIRDS OF A DOLLAR / THIS BILL OF ONE DOLLAR AND TWO THIRDS OF A DOLLAR, SHALL ENTITLE THE BEARER HEREOF TO RECIEVE GOLD AND SILVER, AT THE RATE FOUR SHILLINGS AND SIX-PENCE STERLING PER DOLLAR, FOR THE SAID BILL ACCORD-ING TO A RESOLVE OF THE PROVINCIAL CONVENTION OF MARYLAND, HELD AT THE CITY OF ANNAPOLIS, ON THE 26TH OF JULY 1775.
Reverse Image: Patriotic scene on back depicts an allegory of peace between Great Britain and America.
Reverse Text: ONE DOLLAR AND 2/3 OF A DOLLAR / PAX
Description
American currency was sometimes used to mold public opinion during the War for Independence. The high-minded Latin mottoes suggested by Ben Franklin had this intent. So did a series of small, printed messages on North Carolina currency issued between 1778 and 1780. But an early series of Maryland notes, including this specimen, stand out.
The note is worn, and, in common with several of its fellows, it was carefully stitched together, obscuring part of the design. But if we could see everything, we would see that, on the front of the note, a figure representing Great Britain receives a petition of the Continental Congress. It is handed to her by an America, who is simultaneously trampling on a scroll marked SLAVERY and holding aloft a Liberty cap on a pole, a beacon for American troops who are hastening to the scene from the right.
Meanwhile, George III (the figure at the center-left) is doing his best to set fire to an American city (perhaps Baltimore) already under attack from a British fleet. He's also trampling a copy of Magna Charta, just to underscore the point. Inscriptions along the sides read "AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN" and "PRO ARIS ET FOCIS" (For altars and hearths). The other side of the note conveys hope. Britain and America are shown achieving peace, with the reminder that "PAX TRIUMPHIS POTIOR" (Peace is preferable to victory).
The note was designed by Annapolis silversmith Thomas Sparrow in the summer of 1775. His initials are inscribed on the front and his full name on the back. This series of Maryland notes remains the most politically charged currency ever issued in the United States during wartime.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Library of Congress
date made
1775
date on object
1775-07-26
ID Number
NU.NU75446
serial number
38663
accession number
248478
catalog number
NU75446
Object Name
note
Physical Description
paper (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 6 cm x 11.5 cm x .01 cm; 2 3/8 in x 4 17/32 in x in
Place Made
United States: Maryland
Related Publication
Zoomable Image and Details
Glossary of Coins and Currency Terms
Related Web Publication
http://americanhistory.si.edu/coins/glossary.cfm
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
NNC Colonial Currency
Coins
Numismatics
Coins, Currency and Medals
Legendary Coins
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1289726