The May 20, 1777 issue was the first series of Continental Currency to use new border cuts reading “UNITED STATES” where previous issues read “UNITED COLONIES”. Due to extensive British counterfeiting, this entire issue was recalled by 1779. The extensive counterfeiting and recall of these bills resulted in the May 20, 1777 being one of the most scarce and sought after Continental issues today, especially for genuine bills like this. The populations of this issue rival the 4/11/1778 Yorktown issue at a fraction of the price. This $5 note features an emblem of a hand gathering food and dripping blood due to thorn pricks. This emblem is encircled by the symbolic Latin motto “SUSTINE VEL ABSTINE” (Either survive or give up). The reverse features bold nature print of betony and sage leaves. This example has been cancelled, this was likely done during redemption. Lovely VF/XF example of this incredibly scarce note with a fraction of the population of most Continental issues and usually one of the biggest hurdles in completing a Continental set.
Signers: T. Sweny, …
The May 20, 1777 issue was the first series of Continental Currency to use new border cuts reading “UNITED STATES” where previous issues read “UNITED COLONIES”. Due to extensive British counterfeiting, this entire issue was recalled by 1779. The extensive counterfeiting and recall of these bills resulted in the May 20, 1777 being one of the most scarce and sought after Continental issues today, especially for genuine bills like this. The populations of this issue rival the 4/11/1778 Yorktown issue at a fraction of the price. This $5 note features an emblem of a hand gathering food and dripping blood due to thorn pricks. This emblem is encircled by the symbolic Latin motto “SUSTINE VEL ABSTINE” (Either survive or give up). The reverse features bold nature print of betony and sage leaves. This example has been cancelled, this was likely done during redemption. Lovely VF/XF example of this incredibly scarce note with a fraction of the population of most Continental issues and usually one of the biggest hurdles in completing a Continental set.
Signers: T. Sweny, …
Date: May 20, 1777
Denomination: $5
Friedberg #: CC-66
State: Continental
Certification: PMG
Grade: Very Fine 35
Comments: “Cancelled”
