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Continental Currency

1776

Issued under the authority of the Continental Congress, this example of paper currency from the American Revolution bears the image of an eagle attacking a crane and the Latin motto "Exitus In Dubio Est" (The Outcome is in Doubt). With no authority to tax, the Continental Congress was unable to prevent deep depreciation of its paper currency, and coupled with the widespread circulation of British counterfeit bills, gave rise to the phrase, "Not Worth a Continental."

Details

Item/Title: Three Dollar Note
Maker: Hall and Sellers printer
Place: Philadelphia
Date: 1776
Materials: Ink on Paper
Credit: Museum of the American Revolution, 2003.00.0520
Type: Manuscripts and Printed Works