Description:

Francis Hopkinson
Pennsylvania, March 20, 1771
Francis Hopkinson Rare Signed Fifteen Shilling Note
Signed currency

An engraved Colonial bank note for fifteen shillings, signed in the lower left as "Fras. Hopkinson" and countersigned by William Fisher. 1p, measuring 3" x 3.5", March 20, 1771. Issued as no. 2992 along the top margin, the note reads in part: "This intended Bill of Fifteen Shillings, shall entitle the Bearer to receive of the Provincial Treasurer, the like sum… according to the Directions of an Act of General Assembly of Pennsylvania, made in the 11th Year of the Reign of His Majesty George III." Mounted on verso to a separate sheet, with evidence of prior matting to all four corners. Exhibits expected age toning and soiling throughout, with light handling wear. Otherwise, very good.

Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791) was an American author, signer of the Declaration of Independence as a delegate from New Jersey, and Commissioner of Loans. As the American Revolution raged on, he resigned his crown-appointed positions in 1776 and went on to represent New Jersey in the Second Continental Congress, where he signed the Declaration of Independence. As part of the fledgling nation's government, he became Treasurer of the Continental Loan Office in 1778, was appointed Judge of the Admiralty Court of Pennsylvania in 1779, and helped ratify the Constitution during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. On September 24, 1789, he was nominated by President George Washington to the newly created position of Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Pennsylvania.

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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  • Dimensions: 3" x 3.5"
  • Medium: Signed currency

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
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$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
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