| Description |
State of Massachusetts Bay - (Act of April 4, 1779) 6% Treasury Loan Certificate due January 1, 1783 15 Pounds June 1, 1779 Anderson-Smythe MA-15. PCGS Very Fine 25 Apparent. A second "Pine Tree" vignetted bond type used to support the State Lottery. Printed from a Nathaniel Hurd plate on laid paper. 24.0 cm by 15.0 cm. The layout is similar to MA-12, with the pine tree encircled by a rattlesnake at upper left. However, there was significant reworking of the emblem, with additional needles giving the tree a fuller appearance, and grassy details on the ground. The left end margin indent engraving shows MASSACHUSETTS facing outward. In the right margin, "Massachusetts State Lottery, Class the Third" is in a cartouche. The bottom ribbon border has the counterfeit warning. Differently detailed borders are at the sides, and a single frame line is along the top. The Gothic title is surrounded by bold flourishes. Texts and obligations are across with blanks for issue, amount, date, and serial number. An embossed stamp is in the text. No. 1864. Issued and signed by Scollay, Green, and Henry Gardner. Though a little off-center, the bond is full and untrimmed. Very widely margined at the right end. Noted only with a "Small Split at Center," at the juncture through the ink. A superior representative from an early plate state with clear printing and a strong vignette. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society, Heritage Auctions Internet Sale (5/2017).
(Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com.) Realized $264.38. |
