Paul Revere-Printed Note Rides into Auction
A rare Paul Revere-printed “Sword in Hand” note, held in a private collection for over 30 years, shattered expectations at Heritage’s Winter U.S. Colonial Currency Showcase, far exceeding its $1,500 estimate.
Bidders were taken back to the early days of America at Heritage Auction's "Winter U.S. Colonial Currency Showcase." Occurring on March 9, the auction featured over 70 lots of circulating and uncirculated U.S. continental currency, with particular focus on notes from North Carolina and Pennsylvania. The auction realized a total of over $200,000.
The paper currency up for bid were bank notes, uncut sheets, contemporary counterfeits, and counterfeit detectors. Many of these items were considered rarities and of high grade.
A featured item in the auction was a Massachusetts December 7, 1775, 22s PMG Choice Fine 15 note engraved and printed by Paul Revere on copper plates. Referred to as the "Sword in Hand," this 22-shilling, second-issue natural paper note displays on its back a print of an American revolutionary soldier with a sword in his right hand and the Magna Carta in his left. Script surrounds his figure, reading, "Issued in defence of American Liberty" above him and Massachusetts' motto "Ense petit placidam sub Libertate Quietem" (By the sword one seeks peace under tranquil liberty) below. The date "Decem.r 7, 1775" sits underneath him. Placed near the script on the front of the note is a depiction of the Massachusetts Bay and a signature.
This note was at auction for the first time since being held in a collection for over 30 years. Despite its edge damage, it is considered a superior example. The note sold for $12,000, well over its $1,500 estimate.
A similar note from the same collection, a Massachusetts August 18, 1775 "Sword in Hand," also performed well in auction. It garnered a $3,120 winning bid.
For more information about this note and the "Winter U.S. Colonial Currency Showcase," visit the Heritage Auctions website.
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