Colonial Valley Collection - Bills of the American Revolution
Continental - CC-1 through CC-102

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Note Details

Set Details
Note Description: Continental Currency
$20 May 10, 1775 Colonial Notes
Grade: AU 55
Country: US
Note Number: CC-9
Certification #: 8073017-001  
Owner: Colonial Valley Collection
Sets Competing: Colonial Valley Collection - Complete Set  Score: 3611
Colonial Valley Collection - One Per Emission  Score: 3611
Colonial Valley Collection - Denomination Set  Score: 3611
Colonial Valley Collection - Bills of the American Revolution  Score: 3611
Date Added: 5/29/2020
Research: See PMG's Census Report for this Note

Owner's Description

The May 10, 1775 emission was the first emission of paper money by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Bills from this emission are considered, by many to be the first emission of paper money by the Federal Government. The authorization provided for the emission of $3,000,000 in colonial bills. There were 49,000 bills of each of 8 denominations ranging from $1 to $8 authorized, plus 11,800 $20 and 33,333 $30 bills; a total of 437,133 bills.

The $20, CC-9 bills are iconic. The marbled edge paper was imported from France by Benjamin Franklin. The paper is very thin, and these bills are often found with center splits and repairs. Most are found in lower grades, about 85% are in grades VF and lower. About 13% of the bills are in AU or better grades (only a couple bills are in uncirculated condition). There are also likely several duplicated submissions included in the census reports. Raw bills are rarely encountered today, most have been certified.

The face of the bill has an image of a strong Wind creating waves with the Latin Motto, "VI Concitate" which translates to English as, "Driven by force". The back of the bill has an image of the sun shining on sailing ships in a calm sea. Around the image is the Latin motto "CESSANTE VENTO CONQUIESCEMUS" which translates to, "When the storm dies down we will rest".

This example is from Eric P. Newman's and is the plate note in Newman's Early Paper Money of America. There were 11,800 - $20 bills authorized in the May 10, 1775 emission. All known examples have an inverted back. This bill was signed by William Jackson and Andrew Bunner. This example is the finest graded by PMG.



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