The First Printed Issues, 1734-1754
From Handwritten Notes to Engraved Printing
Production techniques improved greatly for the second series of issues of North Carolina's paper money. The "first printed issues," as I call them, contrasted to the first issues, all hand-written, were not just printed, but printed from engraved copper plates, not typeset. Engraving offered both an esthetic appeal and a greater resistance to counterfeiting than typeset notes.
There are four issues in this series. Legislation passed in 1734 resulted in 40,000 pounds value in 9 different denominations of notes dated 1734. The denominations varied from 1 shilling to 10 pounds. Additional legislation the next year added another 12,500 pounds made from the same plates but with the year changed to 1735. These notes were to replace the earlier handwritten notes, which were well-worn and frequently counterfeited. The notes were attractively engraved and printed by unknown individuals. Each note was signed by four people. The 1734/35 issues are very rare, with examples seldom available to the collector.
The two following issues, dated 1748 and 1754, are fairly easily collectable as a type. The act of April 4, 1748 led to 21,350 pounds value in 17 denominations from 4 pence through 3 pounds. I have seen examples of only half-dozen or so denominations. Condition may be less than desirable with surviving notes missing pieces, backed, sewn or otherwise heavily repaired. The example shown is in typical worn and repaired state. The note shows many endorsements, a practice more common in North Carolina than in other colonies.
The 1754 issue resulted from legislation on March 9, 1754. A value of 40,000 pounds in 17 different issues and 12 denominations from 4 pence through 40 shillings. Some denominations were represented by 2 or 3 different designs, a practice that will be continued with later issues. Like the 1748 issues, few of the 17 issues are actually seen, and condition may by rough. Collecting a complete set of any of these issues is likely an impossibility. The note shown is in relatively high grade.
| Issue | Number of Designs | Denomination Range | Place Names | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1734/35 | 9 | 1 shilling - 10 pounds | North Carolina | First printed issue; engraved |
| 1735 | 9 | 1 shilling - 10 pounds | North Carolina | Engraved |
| 1748 | 17 | 4 pence - 3 pounds | North Carolina | Engraved |
| 1754 | 17 | 4 pence - 40 shillings | North Carolina | Engraved |
Each of four issues, although spanning a twenty year period, exhibits stylistic similarities, and may be the work of a common engraver. The notes represent an artistic achievement that was not continued in the next set of issues.