The January 14, 1779 issue was passed to act as a redemption for notes of the May 20, 1777 and April 11, 1778 issues due to extensive British counterfeiting. New border cuts for this issue read “UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA” and uniquely features red and black ink by Hall and Sellers as well as watermarked paper. The 6 lowest denominations ($1-$20) plus $70 and $80 were watermarked “UNITED STATES” in two lines. The $30-$65 bills were watermarked “CONFEDERATION”. This $4 note features an emblem of a boar charging a spear. This emblem is encircled by the latin motto “AUT MORS AUT VITA DECORA” (Either death or an honorable life). This note is a blue counterfeit detector which were used by merchants to compare to suspected counterfeits that they encounter. Incredibly interesting piece and very rare being 1 of only 3 examples graded by PMG. Incredibly rare piece for the price point.
The January 14, 1779 issue was passed to act as a redemption for notes of the May 20, 1777 and April 11, 1778 issues due to extensive British counterfeiting. New border cuts for this issue read “UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA” and uniquely features red and black ink by Hall and Sellers as well as watermarked paper. The 6 lowest denominations ($1-$20) plus $70 and $80 were watermarked “UNITED STATES” in two lines. The $30-$65 bills were watermarked “CONFEDERATION”. This $4 note features an emblem of a boar charging a spear. This emblem is encircled by the latin motto “AUT MORS AUT VITA DECORA” (Either death or an honorable life). This note is a blue counterfeit detector which were used by merchants to compare to suspected counterfeits that they encounter. Incredibly interesting piece and very rare being 1 of only 3 examples graded by PMG. Incredibly rare piece for the price point.
Date: January 14, 1779
Denomination: $4
Friedberg #: CC-90DT
State: Continental
Certification: PMG
Grade: Very Fine 25
Comments: None
