Henry Middleton and Thomas Lynch Senior currency note signed ("Henry Middleton" and "Tho Lynch"). One partially printed page, 6" x 4.75", no place, [Charleston; South Carolina]; May 1, 1775. Scarce South Carolinian currency note signed by Henry Middleton while serving as the second President of the Continental Congress. An ornately engraved currency note for fifty pounds, authorized by the Provincial Congress of South Carolina. Numbered 1811. According to Eric P. Newman's Early Paper Money of America, this note was issued to fund war expenditures prior to the organization of the Provincial Congress. It reads, in part: "We jointly and severally Promise to pay to the Bearer on demand, Fifty Pounds Current Money of the Colony aforesaid Value Received.." It was part of a rare series issued for only two months. It is signed in full by Middleton (1717-1784) while serving as the second president of the Continental Congress. It is jointly signed by Benjamin Huger, Miles Brewton, Roger Smith, and Thomas Lynch Senior, father of the Declaration Signer, Thomas Lynch, Jr. A manuscript cancel line crosses Middleton's signature, but it remains clear and legible. Middleton's signature is extremely scarce in any form, but especially while serving as president as he only held the office from October 22, 1774 to May 10, 1775. This currency issue is one of the few forms in which Middleton's autograph has survived. The verso contains a beautifully engraved fleur-de-lis design. Reference: Eric. P. Newman. Early Paper Money of America. Racine, Wisconsin: Whitman Publishing Company, 1967, page 310. Condition: Manuscript cancel lines. Uneven left edge. Light edgewear. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,001 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,001 per lot.