 Colony of Rhode Island. June 16, 1775. Ten Shillings. With 2.5% Interest, Due within Five Years. No.1623. Signed by John Cole and Jos. Clarke. Printed on thin paper. 72mm by 108mm. Printed on both sides, standard Rhode Island style. Within three border cuts are typeset texts, Rhode Island seal at left, signatures at bottom. Ornamental pattern back, 'TEN/SHILLINGS' at center. No imprint, printed by John Carter. Only 2,000 notes authorized.
The Newman Plate Note, so illustrated on page 390 of the fourth edition. A very scarce series populated mostly by notes generally living in ''the dog pound'' of Colonial note grades. As such, few have found these early Rhode Island series appealing to collect. That is worthy of changing during this auction abundant with many census condition notes and great rarities as well.
Offered here is this Stellar Note on Rhode Island and all Colonial American Paper Currency. It is quite obvious that Mr. Newman in compiling his epic and authoritative work on Early American Paper Currency recognized this note as the finest on the Act date. We could not dream this note up and when we initially worked on this portion of the collection, reverently appreciated the magnitude of this incredible note. Truly, this one of the greatest banknotes known on Rhode Island of any genre.
Extremely Fine Plus. Most cataloguers would not have caught (or desired to) the light fold one inch from the top. Why look for it when the rest of note is a blinding and vivid beauty! However, it is there, but means nothing in the grand scheme of desirability. There is some perimeter and corner tip handling from generations of collectors who had their ''shot'' at holding this treasure prior to our current era of Mylar currency holders. Wonderful centering and deep embossing as printed. Subtle toning overall that is quite pleasing.
Simply, a blockbuster and worth what it takes to land it. All the superlatives aside, the highest bidder will be rewarded with ''the bragging rights'' to this miracle of survival and epic Rhode Island note.
Ex F.C.C. Boyd Estate.
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