Peak season notice: Shipping for this category may take 14–21 business days after cleared payment. Thanks for your patience.
LOT #47016 |
Current Bid: $20,000
Massachusetts August 18, 1775 6s PCGS Choice New 63PPQ.. ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Massachusetts Bay 6 Shillings August 18, 1775
Engraved by Paul Revere
Massachusetts August 18, 1775 6s PCGS Choice New 63PPQ.China is commonly credited with the invention of paper money, dating back to the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century, by most authorities, but the colony of Massachusetts Bay receives the nod as the creator of the first authorized public paper money issued in the western world (Europe and America).
Between 1690 and 1775, Massachusetts Bay made a number of different emissions, with many being small issues, occasionally intended to fund military expeditions, that were typically redeemed or exchanged for new issues after just a few years in circulation. With the coming of the Revolutionary War, the colony authorized the issue of £100,000 in legal tender bills. Sixteen different denominations were included, ranging between 1s and 40s, with 10,000 of each denomination being authorized for issue. The notes were redeemable in three tranches of £40,000 on August 18, 1778, £30,000 on August 18, 1779, and £30,000 on August 18, 1780, with the redemption date indicated on each note. While the face design was typical of the era with a decorative border surrounding text indicating the authorizing act and terms of redemption, as well as a small vignette of a sailing vessel, the back design is quite remarkable. Paul Revere was responsible for engraving and printing all notes from this issue and obviously put a great deal of thought into the back design which depicts a Revolutionary War soldier brandishing a sword and holding a scroll bearing MAGNA CHARTA. The motto, 'Issued in defence of American Liberty,' soars above while the Latin motto, 'Ense petit placidam, sub Liberstate, Quietem (The sword seeks peaceful quiet under Liberty)' curves from the left side to end beneath the soldier's feet. This vignette sends the powerful message that the American colonies wished to have the same protections given by the Magna Carta in 1215. The Magna Carta is widely considered the foundation of modern constitutional systems, including the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. The Latin inscription made it clear that while the colonies wished only a peaceful relationship with the Crown, they were prepared to fight for their liberty. This design was continued on several subsequent emissions made by the colony during the war.
The so-called "Sword in Hand" notes have proven to be very popular due to their wonderful imagery, direct connection to Paul Revere, and historical significance. What makes this note such a compelling opportunity is that it is also one of the finest surviving examples known. Despite the passage of nearly 251 years, it appears to have come off of Paul Revere's press yesterday. The paper is bright and original with excellent margins that fully frame the note's face and back. The handwritten information, including the low serial number 90 and the signatures of Joseph Wheeler and Thomas Plympton are quite legible. Incidentally, Plympton, according to one source, was a member of the Provincial Congress and was present at the Battle of Concord where a bullet passed through his clothing leaving him unharmed. This wonderful note's provenance extends back to the John J. Ford, Jr. and F.C.C. Boyd Collections and will make a wonderful addition to any collection to which it is added.
Estimate: $30,000 - up.
Auction Info
2026 June 25 Liberty & Legacy: 250 Years of the American Spirit Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6332 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
June
25th
Thursday
10:50 am CT
Auction Dates
June
25th
Thursday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining
23 Days
2h 28m 47s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 6
Lot Tracking Activity: 20
Page Views: 268
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid (minimum $49) per lot.
This lot is in: 1 -
Heritage Signature® Auctions Floor Session (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 47001-47094) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Thursday, June 25, 2026.
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]
Exhibition Viewing Times, Title Page, Floor Session and License Information
Additional Location Info:
Heritage Auctions - Dallas
2801 W. Airport Freeway
Dallas, TX 75261
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms | Currency Grading Tutorial
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms | Currency Grading Tutorial