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Picture of the day

Early American currency went through several stages of development during the colonial and post-Revolutionary history of the United States. During the American Revolution, the Colonies became independent states. No longer subject to arbitrarily imposed monetary regulations by the British Parliament, the States began to issue paper money, to pay for military expenses.

This two shillings banknote was issued by the Province of Massachusetts Bay and is dated 1 May 1741; it is part of the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.

Banknote design credit: Province of Massachusetts Bay; photographed by Andrew Shiva