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D2012-DOS-010. Currency
Currency, Sixty Dollars, Bill of Credit
D2012-DOS-010. Currency

Currency, Sixty Dollars, Bill of Credit

DateApril 10, 1778
Artist/Maker Thomas Coram
OriginAmerica, South Carolina
MediumPaper & ink
DimensionsOverall: 2 1/2 x 4 1/4in. (6.4 x 10.8cm)
Credit LineGift of the Lasser Family
Object number1994-210,874
DescriptionCurrency. Bill of Credit Sixty Dollars (on 2 sides) L97:10:0(on bottom) SOUTH CAROLINA No 3988. This Bill entitles the Bearer to SIXTY DOLLARS, or Ninety seven Pounds ten Shillings, Current Money of this State pursuant to an Ordinance of the General Assembly passed the 8th of Feby 1779. In lower left corner: "MUTUA DEFENSIO TUTISSIMA" . Signatures: "Charles Atkins. John Smyth. John Scott." On back Engraving of harp, 2 flags, trumpet; ribbon at top reads "SIXTY DOLLARS"; ribbon on bottom reads: "L97:10:0."
Label TextEach denomination of the bills of credit had different mottos, figures, and decorative borders. The reverse sides are especially revealing of Coram’s talent as an artist and engraver, for they illustrate a variety of scenes with mythological subjects. The fifty-dollar example, shown here, bears the motto “Providentia nostris praeaesideat” (“Let foresight guide us”) and shows the figure of Divine Providence pointing to a globe.
MarkingsSignatures: "Atkins. Smyth. Scott." Serial #3988
Exhibition(s)