16294

New York November 1, 1709 Silver Issue 4 Lyon Dollars (2 ounces, 15 pennyweights plate) Very Choice.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:NA Estimated At:75,000.00 - 112,500.00 USD
New York November 1, 1709 Silver Issue 4 Lyon Dollars (2 ounces, 15 pennyweights plate) Very Choice.
New York November 1, 1709 Silver Issue 4 Lyon Dollars (2 ounces, 15 pennyweights plate) Very Choice New. One of the rarest and most significant of all Colonial notes. Not to be confused with the same dated issue, denominated in shillings, of which a small hoard (about a dozen pieces) exists. Only 169 of these notes were originally printed, and this piece is Serial Number 50. All four signatures (Robert Walter, Robert Lurting, Johannes Jannsen and Johannes DePeyster) are bold, bright and clear, and the note is an absolute Gem but for a very tiny pinhole in each of the four corners and a 1/8" split in the indent at the top. The note is slightly weakly printed along its very left edge, but it is bold throughout 99% of its body. To our best knowledge, only two examples of this entire issue exist outside of museums, and this is the only one of its denomination and type in private hands. The note was part of an original authorization of 10,000 ounces of sliver plate (15,545 Lyon dollars) in bills of credit that were approved in November of 1709 and made receivable for taxes with 2 1/2% interest per year. The interest provision was subsequently revoked. The Lyon Dollar refers to the Dutch coin of the period which showed a rampant lion on both sides: small on one side within a shield, and large on the other as the main design. At the time this note was issued, a Lyon Dollar equaled 5s6d in New York money of account, or thirteen pennyweights and eighteen grains of silver plate. The current record at auction for a Colonial note is just under $60,000 for a 1690 Massachusetts, and we would not be surprised if that record were surpassed tonight for this incomparable piece. A high-grade 1661 Lyon Dollar coin is included with the lot. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.