NEWMAN COLLECTION COUNTERFEIT DETECTORS

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V20 2017 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 20, Number 1, January 2, 2017, Article 22

Maureen Levine and Bruce Hagen submitted this article highlighting counterfeit detectors in the upcoming internet-only Heritage sale of material from the Eric P. Newman collection. Thanks! -Editor

Counterfeit detector notes and sheets were printed on special paper, usually blue. They provided comparison specimens with which to validate genuine notes and condemn suspected counterfeits. With one exception (North Carolina 1785), they were printed by Hall & Sellers in Philadelphia, who also printed the Pennsylvania and Continental Currency issues.

Four lots from the Newman Collection are highlighted below. Bidding for this internet- only auction will close on January 11, 2017. Full descriptions are available on the Heritage website at HA.com/241622 .

Lot 90207: Pennsylvania March 20, 1773 Uncut Pair of 14 Shillings-16 Shillings Blue Counterfeit Detectors.

This is an exceedingly rare uncut horizontal pair of Lighthouse Issue detector notes. They are unsigned, and each has the officially penned notation “to/ Detect/ Counter/ feits” in the signature block. The denominations in Roman numerals are in the bottom left corners on the lighthouse vignettes. The first we have cataloged and an important Pennsylvania colonial currency artifact. This pairing might be unique.

This May 10, 1775 $1 pink paper counterfeit detector note is possibly unique. It is among the rarest of all Colonial detector notes including the issue’s $20 blue detector notes. These pink paper detector notes are a bit of a mystery because their great rarity has yielded few examples to study. The $1 through $8 denominations were printed on eight- subject panes. This $1 pink detector is the only lower denomination we have observed from this plate array. Any other pink detector lower denominations are not confirmed. Although this is a partial note, it is a significant Continental Currency note and the sole confirmed example.

Lot 90338: Continental Currency May 20, 1777 Uncut Single Pane Sheet of $30-$2-$3-$4/$8- $7-$6- $5 Blue Counterfeit Detector Notes.

This is another rarity as a detector sheet and one of the few we have encountered. The denomination array is the same as the prior two resolutions, February 26, 1777 and July 22, 1776. This is the first issue where “United States” replaced “United Colonies.” The eye appeal is excellent, and this is a key blue detector sheet.

Lot 90341: Continental Currency April 11, 1778 Yorktown Issue Uncut Single Pane Sheet of $40-$30- $20-$4/$8- $7-$6- $5 Blue Counterfeit Detector Notes.

This blue counterfeit detector sheet is rarely offered for sale. The denomination array is different than previous series as this issue adds a new $40 denomination. The lowest denomination is $4 on the issue date. Individual detector notes from the resolution are difficult to obtain, and a sheet is even more desirable. This important showpiece boasts pedigree.

These are great rarities and of interest to currency collectors, bibliophiles and researchers alike. Good luck with your bidding! -Editor