United Colonies Continental Currency Seven Dollars
In the spring of 1775, friction between Britain and her colonies evolved into open hostilities. The future United States of America had few assets that could be turned into money, so the May 10, 1775 session of the Continental Congress authorized the first federally issued paper currency. Circulating alongside Colonial Notes, this "Continental Currency" entitled the bearer to face value in gold or silver, based on the Spanish milled dollar known as the "Piece of Eight". Continental Currency provided critical financing for the American Revolution, though the notes said nothing about redemption because the Continental Congress had no money with which to honor them.
An emission totaling $3,000,000 payable in Spanish milled dollars, or the equivalent in gold or silver, was authorized by the Continental Congress resolutions of November 29, 1775 with a supplemental $10,000 added on January 6,1776 for the replacement of worn out bills. Printed by Hall & Sellers of Philadelphia, most of the notes had a similar appearance with an allegorical vignette on the face (most of which were suggested by Ben Franklin). The back featured a detailed image impressed by a lead plate – an anti-counterfeiting device created by Ben Franklin. Each printed note bore serial numbers and signatures added by hand. Denominations printed were the: $1, $2, $3, $4, $5, $6, $7 and $8. On this seven dollar bill is the picture of a heavy storm. The rain is pouring upon the earth from black clouds, yet there is a bit of clear sky seen in the distance. The motto is SERENABIT — "It will clear up."
An emission totaling $3,000,000 payable in Spanish milled dollars, or the equivalent in gold or silver, was authorized by the Continental Congress resolutions of November 29, 1775 with a supplemental $10,000 added on January 6,1776 for the replacement of worn out bills. Printed by Hall & Sellers of Philadelphia, most of the notes had a similar appearance with an allegorical vignette on the face (most of which were suggested by Ben Franklin). The back featured a detailed image impressed by a lead plate – an anti-counterfeiting device created by Ben Franklin. Each printed note bore serial numbers and signatures added by hand. Denominations printed were the: $1, $2, $3, $4, $5, $6, $7 and $8. On this seven dollar bill is the picture of a heavy storm. The rain is pouring upon the earth from black clouds, yet there is a bit of clear sky seen in the distance. The motto is SERENABIT — "It will clear up."
Artwork Details
- Title: United Colonies Continental Currency Seven Dollars
- Artist: Anonymous, American, 18th century
- Printer: Hall and Sellers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Date: 1775
- Medium: Engraving, letterpress, and nature printing
- Dimensions: Sheet: 3 3/4 × 2 11/16 in. (9.5 × 6.9 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ephemera
- Credit Line: Bequest of Charles Allen Munn, 1924
- Object Number: 24.90.1539
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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