Province of Massachusetts Bay 1744 Thirty Shillings Back Plate Proof
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
June 20, 1744
This colonial currency banknote, dated June 20, 1744, represents a unique Back Plate Proof for a Thirty Shillings note from the Province of Massachusetts Bay, also designated as Six Pounds, Old Tenor.
Printed on period laid paper, the uniface note features typeset text and woodblock border designs. The design is intentionally complex, incorporating well-hidden anti-counterfeiting lettering and various rows of numerals, including sequences of 1-9, integrated into the layout. Some text is printed in backward orientation as part of the specialized design. As a proof, it lacks a serial number and is unsigned, as made.
The note measures approximately 3 inches tall by 3.25 inches wide (82 mm x 75 mm). Notable features include the dealer code 'csx' penciled in the lower right corner, likely placed by Wayte Raymond. The reverse shows evidence of previous mounting. This piece is a significant example of 18th-century American colonial paper currency production, showcasing experimental printing techniques used by typesetters.
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
- Material
- laid paper
- Dimensions
- 3" tall x 3.25" wide (82 mm x 75 mm)
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Back Plate Proof
- Format
- uniface
- Denomination
- Thirty Shillings / Six Pounds Old Tenor
Design
- Obverse
- typeset text, woodblock border, anti-counterfeiting lettering, sequences of numerals 1-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-9 and 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9, backward wording
- Markings
- Wayte Raymond dealer code 'csx' in lower right corner
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.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- 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.