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DOS2005-PC-446
Fifty Dollars, South Carolina
DOS2005-PC-446

Fifty Dollars, South Carolina

DateApril 10, 1778
Artist/Maker Thomas Coram
OriginAmerica, South Carolina
MediumPaper and ink
Dimensions3" x 5"
Credit LineGift of the Lasser Family
Object number1994-210,873
DescriptionCurrency. Bill of Credit Fifty Dollars (on 2 sides) L81.5:0.(on bottom) SOUTH CAROLINA No 4464. This Bill entitles the Bearer to FIFTY DOLLARS, or Eighty one Pounds, five shillings, Current Money of this State pursuant to an Ordinance of the General Assembly passed the 8th of Feby 1779. In lower left corner: "PROVIDENTIA NOS" and PRESIDEAT TRIS" . Signatures: "E. Trescot. J. Atkinson. Theo. Gaillard Jr." On back Engraving of man holding rock on shoulders, ribbon at top reads "FIFTY DOLLARS"; ribbon on bottom reads: "T. Coram Sculp 1779" and "L81:5:0."

Signatures: Trescot. Atkinson. Gaillard, Jr."

Serial #4464
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: Trescot. Atkinson. Gaillard, Jr." Serial #4464
Exhibition(s)