***Auction Highlight*** South Carolina Colonial Currency Febuary 8th, 1779 $90 "Hercules" Note FR-SC-158 Graded au53 By PMG. An Au55 is on ebay right now for $3000 A boldly printed, evenly margined example of this extremely popular Colonial note. The note was engraved by Thomas Coram of Charleston, South Carolina. The $40, $60, $80, and $100 denominations were part of the original $1,000,000 authorized. Later the $50, $70, and $90 denominations were added. The front shows a Warrior at lower left surrounded by a banner stating ARMISA CONCURRITE CAMPO, which Newman translates "Assemble the field of arms." A series that is widely appreciated for its variety of mythological vignettes. This $90 note does not disappoint in that regard, as we are blessed with the visage of Hercules strangling the Nemean lion, the first of his Twelve Labors. ARTIST: Thomas Coram (1757-1811) emigrated from Bristol, England, to the colonies in 1769. He went into the mercantile business and joined with twelve other merchants and thirteen planters in an association “to discontinue the Importation of European and East-India Goods and Negroes into this Province.” After 1770 he became an engraver. In 1784 he advertised as a drawing master. An ardent supporter of the American Revolution, Coram engraved bills of credit for the State of South Carolina during the war. Coram was the first Charleston artist to use historical subjects; his most ambitious engraving is a three-part print called “The Battle of Fort Moultrie,” published in the 1780s. According to the city directories, Coram listed his profession as “engraver” until 1802. Thereafter he was listed as “painter and engraver.” He was instructed in oil painting by Henry Benbridge (1743-1812), another artist in Charleston. Coram is known for his portraits, as well as several small but intricate local landscapes. He was a benefactor of the Charleston Orphanage, to which he gave numerous works and money. Coram was buried in the cemetery of St. Phillips Church in Charleston. A Corey's Pick, Bid to Win, Don't let it get Away, you might not find its equal Coin. I give this coin my highest recommendation