One of the first ever American banknotes has been discovered in the Midlands – and it has revolutionary pedigree.
Coin valuer at Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers William Hayward was stunned when a client dropped into a free valuation event at the firm’s auction centre at Etwall, near Derby, with a banknote dating back to the American Revolution.
He said: “It’s a USA Colony of New Jersey One Third Dollar dated February 17, 1776, which means it’s 243 years old. It was printed by Hall & Sellers of Philadelphia during the American War of Independence, which lasted from 1775 to 1783.
“You just don’t see things like this. It’s exceptionally rare. I’m hugely excited by this find. I’ve only ever come across one note like it being sold before and it’s guide price was 3,000 dollars.”
The One Third Dollar, which will enter Hansons’ November 21 Coins Auction with an estimate of £600-£800, is part of a collection of around 30 American bank notes which belong to a Derby family.
Mr Hayward said: “It’s fascinating because the owners have traced their roots back to America. Their ancestors were early British settlers in America in the 1700s. During the American Revolution some of their ancestors, who would have been Loyalists, returned to England with a few bits and pieces – including the bank notes.”
The American Revolution was a colonial revolt which saw the American Patriots in Thirteen Colonies defeat the British in the American Revolutionary War. The Patriots won independence from Great Britain and established the United States of America. Loyalists were American colonists who stayed loyal to the British Crown during the war, opposing the Patriots.
Mr Hayward said: “It’s an amazing find with amazing provenance. I’m expecting huge interest in this incredible haul of American bank notes. In total, the entire set could fetch around £3,000.”
Entries are invited until November 1 for Hansons’ Coins Auction. William Hayward offers free valuations at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS, on Wednesdays, 10am-4pm, or email [email protected].
American Revolution Image: Storming of Redoubt 9 during the battle of Yorktown, American revolution. Art by Onfroy de Breville. Credit: Good Free Photos“>www.goodfreephotos.com
