Massachusetts Colonial Currency, Seventeen Shillings 'Sword in Hand' Issue, 1775
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
August 18, 1775
This Massachusetts colonial banknote, dated August 18, 1775, is a significant piece of Revolutionary War paper currency featuring an engraving by the noted silversmith and patriot Paul Revere.
Commonly referred to as the 'Sword in Hand' issue, this specific note carries a denomination of seventeen shillings. It has been professionally certified by PMG as Extremely Fine-40 and exhibits four full margins, contributing to its superior centering. The text on the face includes a formal promise of payment by the Colony of Massachusetts Bay, with the signatures of Joseph Wheeler and Ebenezer Sayer visible in red and brown ink.
The reverse side features a centerfold with minor, professionally noted restoration. A pencil notation remains in the lower reverse open field from a previous collector, attesting to its historical provenance. This issue is highly regarded for its artistic engraving and its role in the financial landscape of the American colonies during the onset of the Revolutionary conflict.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Certification
- PMG Extremely Fine-40
- Serial number
- 8315
- Identification
- Fr. MA-169
Technical characteristics
- Issuer
- Colony of Massachusetts Bay
- Denomination
- 17 Shillings
Design
- Motif
- Sword in Hand
- Engraver
- Paul Revere
- Signatories
- ["Joseph Wheeler", "Ebenezer Sayer"]
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Paul Revere
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Research required
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.