Pennsylvania Currency
“Marbled Back” August 6, 1789 Pennsylvania Note $3/90 Printed On Special Paper From Benjamin Franklin
Pennsylvania. Bank of North America. August 6, 1789. $3/90 - Three Pence. Plate C. “Marbled” Reverse. Gem Crisp Uncirculated.
Fr. PA-274. Our Bank of North America database records show we have had only one prior offering of this rare, Three Pence denomination, in our auctions. This outstanding, crisp vivid note is printed upon special “Marbled Reverse” (Polychrome) paper. This example is the Finest we have offered of only two to date. The colorful “marble” period paper was brought back from France by Benjamin Franklin, being the unused portion he purchased to print special Loan Obligation Forms for money loaned to and owed by the United States to France during the Revolutionary War. One of those Loan forms, also printed upon this similar paper, recently sold at public auction for in excess of $220,000. Even the special typeset font designs used for this issue were specially brought back from Europe by Franklin, as no other potential counterfeiter would have these designs in the United States.

Benjamin Franklin's grandson, “Benjamin Franklin Bache,” actually printed this special issue of two denominations, $1/90 and $3/90. The lower value $1/90 denomination was printed in black on both sides, while the higher value $3/90 was black on its face and a vibrant colorful “Marbled” reverse. The Bank of North America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was first Chartered on December 31, 1781.

This note has spectacular vivid marbled colors upon its back. There are four full margins on each side, face and back, that allow for excellent overall centering. The paper itself is bright white and fresh, appearing much as it would have on the day it was printed. Extensive original press text embossing within the paper gives testament to its outstanding originality and quality. An exciting, historic numismatically important “Marbled Reverse” August 6, 1789 Pennsylvania Note.