| Description |
United States of North-America - Continental Loan Office in "Pennsylvania" 550 Guilders Fourth of Exchange, Payable to "Honourable John Adams...in Amsterdam" January 27, 1781 Anderson-Smythe US-107-10A. PCGS Very Fine 35 Apparent. A historic Loan Office certificate issued from the Pennsylvania Loan Office through John Adams's efforts in Amsterdam. While Franklin and Jefferson experienced the glamour of Paris life and dealt with the French nobility, Adams negotiated with a much more prudent Holland merchant elite while at the American Mission. This multi-colored certificate has a much different appearance from those with the Paris payable. The subtly placed "Honourable John Adams, Esq. Commissioner for the United States, in Amsterdam" is at the lower left. Printed on laid paper, with watermark "United States 4." 21.0 cm by 10.2 cm. The text and obligations across and denomination "550 Guilders" are printed in blue, with blanks for issuance. Blue ornaments comprise the right end border. Maroon flourishes and details are at left, top and bottom. The serial number block is at top center. No. 5. Issued to Thomas Lee & John C. Jones, countersigned by Tho. Smith for Pennsylvania. Signed by Declaration of Independence signer Francis Hopkinson as the "Treas'r of Loans," engraved and printed in maroon. The back endorsement was apparently accomplished in Amsterdam, and signed by Lee and Jones. Though High Rarity-6 (13-20 known) in Anderson-Smythe, by observation this is much rarer. Our only recorded auction appearance is the Boyd example that appeared in Ford Part VI: Lot 363 (at $3,162.50) in October 2004. We have not seen another since, and this is in superior condition. The exceptionally bold colors are sharper than on the Boyd piece. The back endorsement shows to the left face. Noted with "Minor Ink Erosion; Hinges on Back; Small Holes." An important opportunity to obtain a significant artifact of early American financing showcasing John Adams's role as an Amsterdam diplomat. A highlight of this Newman Internet 3 sale. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society, Heritage Auctions Internet Sale (5/2017).
(Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.) Realized $6462.50. |
