Massachusetts Currency
1778 American Revolutionary War "Rattlesnake & Pine Tree" Vignetted Massachusetts Treasury Loan Certificate
June 8, 1778-Dated American Revolutionary War Period, Partly-Printed Certificate, fully completed in Manuscript, Massachusetts Bay Treasury Loan Certificate, 24, Anderson MA-12, Very Fine.
This original Partly-Printed Treasury Certificate is completed in manuscript, 6" x 9" on fine-laid paper with an Embossed Stamp reading, "DAT VIRES UNIO (Union Gives Strength). The left edge was cut wavily along the indent for confirmation purposes when the bond was redeemed. The State of Massachusetts pledged to repay the bearer twenty-four Pounds, reading: "Received of James Smith the Sum of Twenty-Four Pounds for the Use of the State of Massachusetts-Bay, and in Behalf of said State I do hereby promise and oblige Myself and Successors in the Office of Treasurer to pay to the said James Smith or Bearer...". These certificates are some of the most sought-after pieces of fiscal paper from the American Revolutionary War period due to the elaborate engravings after Paul Revere. This one features a vignette of a Coiled Rattlesnake encircling a Pine Tree. Signed by Henry Gardner (as Treasurer), S. Scollay and P. Boyer as Committee members. Gardner's signature is cancelled with a light ink crosshatch. This example is lightly toned with fold splits having some old archival paper reinforcements on the blank reverse. Sharply detailed vignette.