RARE – Revolutionary War wallet with 1777 bill and coin

This is another rare piece being offered, it is an 18^th century leather wallet. In the closed position it measures 7 ½” x 4 ½”. Inside the wallet is a Continental currency note for six dollars.  It has the United States and “This Bill entitles the Bearer to receive SIX Spanish milled dollars or the value thereof in Gold or Silver, according to a resolution of Congress passed at Philadelphia, May 20, 1777.” It is also hand-signed which possibly is “Smith”. There is also a British half-penny coin dated 1738.

Continental currency was authorized on May 10, 1775, in a session of the Continental Congress and became the first federally issued paper money, predating the official birth of the United States by more than a full year. Continental currency is particularly historic because its issuance helped finance the American Revolution, which spanned from 1775 through 1783 and secured the United States as an independent nation.

The hand-sewn wallet shows a lot of wear, but there are no rips and it remains very pliable. As seen in the pictures, the note is worn and had repairs, but all of the important information shows very well.  The coin is also well worn and difficult to make out details. What is interesting is that the 1777 note went unnoticed for many years and only recently was discovered inside the wallet (see pictures).  

An artifact such as this really brings you into the everyday life of both soldiers and Civilians during the war. Just about every gentleman of the 18^th century carried a similar wallet. This would really be a nice touch in a Revolutionary War collection.

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, interest in the Revolutionary War and its relics are significantly increasing. This renewed enthusiasm is driving the demand for virtually all Revolutionary War artifacts, further contributing to their scarcity and rising prices.