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The Colonial Currency Maryland 1/6 Dollar note dated December 7, 1775, cataloged as MD-80 in numismatic references such as Friedberg and Newman, is a fascinating piece of American Revolutionary-era paper money. Issued by the Province of Maryland during a time of increasing political unrest and colonial assertion, this fractional denomination bill reflects both the economic necessity and the patriotic spirit that characterized colonial America on the eve of independence. These notes were authorized by the Maryland colonial assembly to support commerce, military expenditures, and daily transactions as specie became scarce due to escalating tensions with Britain.
This 1/6 dollar note, equivalent to one shilling in the pre-decimal currency system, was part of a larger emission totaling £266,666 in Maryland currency, authorized by the December 7, 1775 act of the colonial legislature. This issue came at a pivotal moment in American history—mere months after the battles of Lexington and Concord and less than a year before the Declaration of Independence. The issuance of paper money such as this served both practical and political functions, allowing colonial governments to bypass British currency constraints while simultaneously asserting fiscal independence.
The design of the Maryland 1/6 dollar note is typical of colonial print currency of the period: compact, text-heavy, and produced using intaglio and letterpress techniques. The front (obverse) of the note includes the printed denomination “One Sixth of a Dollar,” along with the emission date “December 7, 1775.” The denomination is also often expressed as “1/6” in the upper corners. The note is signed by one or more colonial officials, typically in iron gall ink, and the serial number is handwritten by a colonial treasurer or clerk. The bold black printing is surrounded by a simple border and framed within a square-cut edge.
One of the most notable features of the MD-80 note is the reverse side, which displays a decorative nature-print vignette featuring a botanical image—usually a leaf or grouping of leaves. This nature print design was derived from real plant impressions and served a dual purpose: it was aesthetically engaging and served as an anti-counterfeiting measure, as the complexity of natural veins and asymmetry in plant forms were nearly impossible to replicate precisely by hand or press. This printing innovation was first introduced by Benjamin Franklin and became a hallmark of colonial American currency.
The Maryland 1775 emission notes, including the 1/6 dollar denomination, were printed by the firm of Frederick Green, the official printer for the Maryland colony based in Annapolis. Green was a respected printer and publisher who succeeded Jonas Green and carried on the Maryland Gazette. His printing quality was regarded as high for the time, and his press was instrumental in producing both government notices and paper currency. The notes were printed on laid paper made from linen and cotton rags, often containing visible chain lines and watermarks, depending on the paper batch used.
Like most colonial currency, these notes were originally redeemable in specie and bore an inscription that promised future redemption by the colonial government. However, as the Revolutionary War progressed and confidence in paper money waned, many of these notes were not redeemed or became heavily depreciated. Nevertheless, they remained widely circulated out of necessity, especially in regions like Maryland where coinage was limited. Today, they serve as a tangible reminder of the financial improvisations that accompanied the birth of American independence.
The mintage or number of notes printed for each specific denomination in this issue is not precisely known, but tens of thousands were likely printed. Because they were used in daily transactions and often folded, torn, or damaged, relatively few have survived in high grade. Most examples of the MD-80 1/6 dollar note that come to market are found in grades ranging from Good to Fine, with higher-end Extremely Fine or Uncirculated examples being rare and highly prized by collectors. Notes with clear signatures, legible serial numbers, and intact nature prints on the reverse command premium values.
The condition of these notes varies widely, and collectors value them based on centering, legibility, paper quality, and the visibility of both the signature(s) and the nature print. Common issues include edge splits, staining, and pinholes—signs of regular use in 18th-century commerce. Still, even notes in lower grades are of significant historical and collector value, given their age and association with the Revolutionary War period. When found in well-preserved condition, the MD-80 1/6 dollar note is a standout example of colonial American paper currency, bridging the worlds of numismatics and early American history.
Collectors of colonial currency, American Revolution memorabilia, or early Maryland ephemera will find this note to be a compelling and historically rich artifact. It represents not just a form of money, but a symbol of resistance, self-governance, and economic ingenuity. As part of a broader series of emissions from Maryland in the 1770s, it complements higher and lower denominations issued around the same period and fits well in type collections showcasing different states and printing styles.
In conclusion, the Colonial Currency Maryland 1/6 Dollar dated December 7, 1775 (MD-80) is a historically significant, artistically unique, and numismatically valuable piece of early American paper money. Its ties to the Revolutionary War era, its nature-print anti-counterfeiting feature, and its association with the early monetary systems of the American colonies make it an essential acquisition for serious collectors and historians. Despite its small face value, its historical weight and collectible allure have endured for nearly 250 years, preserving the story of a colony—and a country—on the brink of transformation.