Description:

Alexander Hamilton
n.p., June 19, 1792
Alexander Hamilton Signed FF Cover to Robert Purviance, PSA Certified & Encapsulated
Free Frank Signature

Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804). Free franked envelope signed, "Free A Hamilton", at lower left of a folded cover measuring 6.75" x 3.75". Addressed in a secretarial hand from the Treasury Department to Robert Purviance Esq at the Naval Office in Baltimore. Stamped "FREE" at upper right. Docketed along right margin in another hand, noting receipt on June 23, 1792. Certified, graded NM-MT8, and encapsulated by PSA to an overall size of 10" x 6.5". Inscribed at verso in an unknown hand, "1789-1795", the period in which Hamilton served as the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Expected age and handling wear including folds and creases with tiny areas of loss, soiling, and light discoloration. Remnants of adhesive along lower edge. Red wax seal at verso. Boldly signed.

As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and an author of the Federalist Papers, Hamilton's legacy lives on centuries after his death. Appointed as the country's very first Secretary of the Treasury by President George Washington, Hamilton authored countless policies under Washington's administration. He was instrumental in the founding of the first national bank, the country's first tariff system, and established commercial economic policy for the newly formed nation. By 1792, Hamilton's principles were adopted by Congress, resulting in the Coinage Act of 1792, and the creation of the mint.

Robert Purviance (1734-1806) was born in Ireland and settled in Baltimore during the 1760s, establishing a successful shipping and distillery business with his brother. During the Revolution the firm engaged in privateering, and both brothers were active in local politics. Robert Purviance was appointed was the first Naval Officer of the port of Baltimore, Maryland, in August 1789 and served in the post until December of 1794, when he became collector of the port.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Provenance: PSA: 85473579.
  • Dimensions: 10" x 6.5"
  • Medium: Free Frank Signature

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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