South Carolina, uncut pair of $100 notes

DateFebruary 8, 1779

Engraver Thomas Coram

MediumPaper & ink

DimensionsWidth: 5 3/4" Height: 7 1/4"

Credit LineGift of the Lasser family

Object number1994-210,879,A&B

DescriptionCurrency. Uncut Currency Note with 2 One hundred dollars Bills of Credit. A and B are identical except for the serial numbers: A- Serial No. "2723"; B- Serial No. "2738" Aand B: "100 Dollars. ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS L162:10:0.(on bottom) SOUTH CAROLINA No . This Bill entitles the Bearer to ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS, or One Hundred & Sixty-two 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: "GLORIA FORTITUDO FUNDAMENTUM." Signatures: "Cha. Atkins. P. Weston. John Smyth." An engraving of a palm tree with flags and spears and 4 ribbons: "ONE", "HUNDRED", "DOLLARS," and "L162:10:0."
Label TextWhile paper money wasn't invented in America, its use in the colonies became widespread. Since Massachusetts' inaugural issue in 1690, the American economy has relied on the use of currency for purchases both large and small. It has become an integral part of our culture, and it shouldn't be surprising that some paper money "firsts" occurred before the end of the Revolutionary War.

Today's $100 bills, affectionately known as "C notes" and "Ben Franklins" are descended from this South Carolina issue of 1779. Printed from plates engraved by Charleston engraver Thomas Coram, this example is an uncut sheet of two. As such, it is an extremely rare survival.

MarkingsSignatures: "Char. Atkins, P. Weston, J. Smyth." On A and B; Serial #"2723" on A and #"2738" on B

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