Virginia Currency
Scarce May 7, 1781 Virginia Twelve Hundred Dollars Note Printed by John Dunlap of Philadelphia PASS-CO AU-50
Treasury of Virginia Act. May 7, 1781. Twelve Hundred Dollars. PCGS graded About New-50.
Fr. VA-223. This impressive high $1,200 denomination note has four full margins and nice centering. The text and designs are distinct in black on white period laid paper. The signatures and serial number are all clear and easily readable. There are some prior mounting traces along both edges on the blank reverse with deft sealed edge splits at center so noted as apparent repairs on the holder. Printed by John Dunlap of Philadelphia, who is also famously known for having printed the the very first Broadside copies of The Declaration of Independence in 1776. Unique border design at the left margin shows vignette devices including a Sun with “human” facial features, a Moon in partial eclipse (also with a human face), plus Thirteen Stars (for the 13 Colonies) within a surrounding field. This note is also rare because in the subsequent Treasury Act of November 1781, the notes legal tender status was to be terminated and its value to become worthless, on October 1, 1782. It is rare and remarkable that these notes survive and a scarce few available to collectors today!