United Colonies Continental Currency Seven Dollars 1776
Anonymous, American, 18th century American
Printer Hall and Sellers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania American
Not on view
An emission totaling $4,000,000 payable in Spanish milled dollars, or the equivalent in gold or silver, was authorized by the Continental Congress resolution of February 10, 1776. 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."
