An eight-dollar Maryland colonial note dated April 10, 1774.
Signed by William Eddis, a customs official in Annapolis and a commissioner of Maryland’s Paper Currency Office and John Clapham, also served as a commissioner of Maryland’s Loan Office.
Printed in Annapolis by Anne Catharine Hoof Green and her son Frederick Green. Anne assumed responsibility for the family printing business in 1767 and became Maryland’s official provincial printer.
The front features Maryland’s colonial coat of arms with the motto “Crescite et Multiplicamini,” meaning “Grow and Multiply,” within an ornamental border.
The text entitles the bearer to bills of exchange payable in London, or gold and silver, at four shillings and sixpence sterling per dollar.
The reverse carries botanical prints, the imprint “Printed by A. C. and F. Green,” and the warning “‘Tis Death to Counterfeit.”
The history behind the seal according to the site for Historic St. Mary's City:
"The Great Seal of Maryland was designed between late June 1632 after the Charter was granted and the autumn of 1633, when it was sent with the first expedition to establish Maryland. But the original seal was used for only 11 years. In 1645, Richard Ingle attacked the young colony, captured it and took the seal. Given its precious metal composition, he probably melted it down both for its value and to destroy the symbol of Lord Baltimore’s government. Once control of the colony was reestablished, Lord Baltimore had another seal produced and it was sent to Maryland in 1648."
Size: 4.5" × 2.5"
The note is enclosed in a 4" x 6" freestanding Lucite frame to protect the currency while allowing you to display it standing or flat. The two pieces of Lucite are held together with magnets, which makes it easy to remove the currency for a closer inspection or to frame in a different manner or to store.
The manufacturer claims UV protection, but I haven't seen any technical report, so recommend keeping them out of direct sunlight.
Shipping: $15. Please allow two weeks for shipping.