1774 Maryland Revolutionary War Period Two Dollar Indented Bill

This is an original Colonial-era fiscal document representing a 'Two Dollars' indented bill issued by the Province of Maryland. The note is dated April 10, 1774, placing it just before the formal start of the American Revolutionary War. It features a vertical orientation printed on thick, heavy-gauge handmade paper, typical of 18th-century rag paper. The primary text describes it as a 'Bill of Exchange' payable in gold or silver at the rate of four shillings and sixpence sterling per dollar. It includes a unique serial number, 11250, handwritten in ink. A prominent feature is the elaborate decorative border and the inclusion of the 'Lord Baltimore' armorial crest of Maryland at the bottom. The note bears a bold, authentic handwritten signature in iron gall ink, likely belonging to one of the authorized commissioners. Condition-wise, the paper has aged to a brownish-tan patina with visible foxing and vertical creasing from historical folding. The edges appear rough, which is consistent with the 'indented' nature of these bills where they were cut from a stub to prevent counterfeiting. It is currently preserved in a modern lucite or acrylic screw-down display frame. These notes were printed by Anne Catharine Green and Son in Annapolis, Maryland, and represent a crucial piece of early American monetary history.

Based on my visual examination of this Two Dollar Maryland indenture dated April 10, 1774, I have assessed this piece as an original Colonial issue. The visual markers are consistent with authentic bills printed by Anne Catharine Green and Son in Annapolis. The distinctive typeface, the specific 'Lord Baltimore' crest, and the iron gall ink oxidation on the signature and serial number (#11250) align with known examples from this series. The condition is generally fine to very fine for the period; the paper shows expected aging and distinct foxing, along with a central vertical fold typical of circulation. The margins are relatively tight but preserve the crucial indented top edge that served as the primary anti-counterfeiting measure of the era. The market for Maryland colonial currency remains robust, particularly for pre-Revolutionary notes issued during the pivotal 1774 period. While not as rare as the 1770 issues, the 1774 series is highly collectible. Comparable sales for notes in this 'Fine' condition usually land in the mid-hundreds range. Value is slightly suppressed by the heavy foxing and staining compared to pristine examples which can fetch upwards of $800. It is important to note that this appraisal is based solely on digital imagery. While the visual evidence strongly suggests authenticity, I cannot definitively confirm the paper's texture or watermarks without physical handling. I recommend removing the item from the screw-down holder for long-term preservation, as these can flatten historical paper fibers. Definitive authentication would require tactile examination of the rag paper and microscopic verification of the ink flow.