| Description |
Salem, NC - We or either of us "Samuel Stots & Conrad Kreuser," promise to pay 9 Pence October 22, 1803 Newman-Not Listed. PCGS Choice About New 58PPQ. This is from an intriguing scrip note issuer. Though issued after 1800 and not listed in Newman, the style, size, and paper make it a natural fit for a Colonial currency collection. These notes are in a diminutive format and printed uniface on laid paper. Ornate bordering encloses the obligations, date, denomination, and small emblem at lower left. Hand-dated and signed by both individuals. This pence-denominated scrip note was issued by the Church. Members of the persecuted Moravian Church, which began under Jan Hus in what is now the Czech Republic, began to settle in North Carolina on a large tract they named Wachovia, first in Bethabara (1753), then Bethania (1759). Although established as a town in 1776, Salem did not become the congregation's administrative center until 1772. There has been some controversy about whether the first signature on the note was "Stots" or "Stotz," explainable by various documents with both spellings that clearly refer to the same person. A close examination of the signature shows "Stots." Also, the tombstone in the Salem Moravian graveyard, known as "God's Acre," has the inscription "Samuel Stots," and lists that church warden (1752-1820) with a Pennsylvania birthplace. Conrad Kreuser (1753-1845), interred in the same location, was listed as being born in Wurtemburg. Clearly, an interesting piece of history from what is part of present-day Winston-Salem. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society, Heritage Auctions Internet Sale (5/2017).
(Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.) Realized $470.00. |
