This Massachusetts bill is known as a “codfish note” because of the distinctive codfish present at the top center of the face. The pillared obverse of this note was engraved and printed by the legendary Paul Revere and the pine tree reverse was printed by Thomas Fleet in Boston. Paul Revere also performed the engraving to re-date the face to 1778, reusing the copper plates from the initial issue in October 16, 1776. Lovely example with light paper and especially bold reverse ink. Interesting triangle cancel, I rarely see cancelled examples of this note. Very scarce, of the 8,571 originally printed, only 20 are known to exist today. A key note for any colonial collection printed by an American legend.
Signers: Richard Cranch
This Massachusetts bill is known as a “codfish note” because of the distinctive codfish present at the top center of the face. The pillared obverse of this note was engraved and printed by the legendary Paul Revere and the pine tree reverse was printed by Thomas Fleet in Boston. Paul Revere also performed the engraving to re-date the face to 1778, reusing the copper plates from the initial issue in October 16, 1776. Lovely example with light paper and especially bold reverse ink. Interesting triangle cancel, I rarely see cancelled examples of this note. Very scarce, of the 8,571 originally printed, only 20 are known to exist today. A key note for any colonial collection printed by an American legend.
Signers: Richard Cranch
Date: October 16, 1778
Denomination: 4 Pence
Friedberg #: MA-256
State: Massachusetts
Certification: PMG
Grade: Very Fine 30
Comments: “Cancelled, Stained”
