1780 Baldwin Massachusetts Colonial Note F

Did You Think I Got Off the Boat Yesterday?

Because few coins were minted in the 13 colonies before they became the United States of America, our only glimpse into the money used for every day transactions are through the scant surviving pieces of paper money. Early American currency like the notes we have here were used during the American Revolution and helped pay for more than just business transactions. They paid for military expenses in the fledgling nation’s fight for independence.

The notes available in this offering were all issued in 1780 by Massachusetts, the first colony to issue notes to finance a militia during the Revolutionary War. They range in denomination from $1 to $20 and come hand-signed by American patriot Loammi Baldwin, a Minuteman who saw action at the battles of Lexington and Concord and was with George Washington when he crossed the Delaware in 1776.

Colonel Baldwin was a noted engineer, politician, and a soldier. He led his men in the battles at Lexington and Concord and on the night of December 25–26, in the face of a severe winter storm, he and his men joined General George Washington as the Continental Army crossed the Delaware to the New Jersey side, and fought the Battle of Trenton on the morning of December 26. Perhaps due to his many battles, Baldwin resigned from army due to ill health in 1777. His service to his country did not stop and he went on to serve in various public offices between 1780 and 1796. He even had time to develop the Baldwin Apple, a hearty apple prized for cider and baking!

It was during Baldwin’s early years of public service that he signed these notes. Referred to as “Baldwin Notes” for his prized signature, each has a cancellation hole, verifying that the note was redeemed. Your note will come in fine condition. Denominations will vary.