The Bank of North-America. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Aug. 6, 1789. 3 Pence or 3/90ths of a Dollar.

Pennsylvania. The Bank of North America [Philadelphia]. Three Pence or 3/90ths of a Dollar. August 6, 1789. Almost Uncirculated. Unnumbered. Plate A.

Printed on laid paper with marbled color back (as used on the May 10, 1775 Session $20 notes). Typeset with ornate borders. Engraved name of "Tench Francis" as Cashier of The Bank. The back with ornamental designs and pattern in the center. Imprint at the bottom of "Printed by B.F. Bache". James Haxby PA-465 G16. Newman, page 360. Roger Durand (Interesting Notes about Denominations) Rarity "A" [advanced]. Similar to Ford X: Lot 4126.

These are now very scarce and seldom offered. The Ford X piece was the only example left over from Chapman-Raymond-Boyd holding and we placed it in the odd denomination collection in Part X. Change bills such as this were an important part of commerce prior to the opening of the United States Mint.

The Bank of North America was chartered in 1782 by Congress and funded by the luminaries of early American finance. There is some minor handling only, but a chipped lower right corner infringes just slightly into the border devices. The back marbling color from James Woodmans' manufactured paper is outstanding. Gem examples, when seen, are certainly in the league of $3,000 or more. This is an attractive and affordable alternative.