[CURRENCY]. The Salem Gazette. Old Continental Money. Salem: Thomas C. Cushing, 30 March 1790. 4pp., folio (457 x 292 mm), spotting, few small tears with losses. Continentals, the term coined for the newly introduced colonial paper currency, were put into circulation between 1775 and 1779 to fund the expenses of the war. The rapid devaluation of this currency resulted from its lack of backing by physical assets such as gold or silver and the excessive printing of bills, leading to the disparaging phrase “not worth a continental.” In 1779, Congress ceased the issuance of continentals. However, by 1785, the continental currency had depreciated to an astonishing extent, leading to a widespread refusal by people to accept the bills as a means of payment for goods or services. The severe depreciation of the currency added to the economic concerns of the fledgling nation, placing a burden on its leaders, who grappled with the daunting task of repaying war debts. In response to the economic challenges, the leaders of the young nation initiated efforts to address the issue. They undertook the establishment of the first financial institutions with the aim of curbing inflation and restoring the value of the nation’s money. In a bid to stabilize the economy and address the financial challenges facing the country, Alexander Hamilton put forth a proposal for the establishment of a national bank. This envisioned institution would be responsible for issuing paper money and managing various financial functions for the government, including tax revenues and debts. Hamilton’s proposal materialized in December 1791 with the opening of the Bank of the United States in Philadelphia, marking a significant development in the nation’s economic landscape. As a result of the establishment of the national bank, the U.S. dollar (USD) was adopted in the subsequent year.