{"product_id":"1780-massachusetts-revolutionary-war-lottery-treasury-certificate-rattlesnake-and-pine-tree-signed-by-henry-gardner","title":"1780 Massachusetts Revolutionary War Lottery Treasury Certificate — Rattlesnake and Pine Tree — Signed by Henry Gardner","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal Revolutionary War treasury certificate issued by the \u003cstrong\u003eState of Massachusetts-Bay on February 5, 1780\u003c\/strong\u003e, in connection with the \u003cstrong\u003eMassachusetts State Lottery, Class the Fourth\u003c\/strong\u003e. Numbered 117 and issued for fifteen pounds, it promised repayment by January 1, 1783, with interest at six percent per annum.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCataloged as \u003cstrong\u003eAnderson MA-16\u003c\/strong\u003e, the certificate bears the signatures of Massachusetts Treasurer \u003cstrong\u003eHenry Gardner\u003c\/strong\u003e and committee members \u003cstrong\u003eEdward Green\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eS. Soley\/Scollay\u003c\/strong\u003e. Gardner was appointed receiver general and treasurer by the Massachusetts Provincial Congress in 1774 and remained responsible for the Commonwealth’s finances through much of the Revolutionary War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEspecially appealing is the embossed emblem at upper left depicting a \u003cstrong\u003erattlesnake encircling a pine tree\u003c\/strong\u003e with the patriotic Latin motto \u003cstrong\u003e“Dat Vires Unio”\u003c\/strong\u003e—“Union Gives Strength.” Its elaborate calligraphic title, interlocking denomination border and symbolic Revolutionary imagery make it a particularly decorative example of early American fiscal paper. The elaborate engraved designs are commonly described as being derived from or influenced by Paul Revere’s Massachusetts fiscal designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMassachusetts used public lotteries and interest-bearing certificates to raise desperately needed funds during the Revolution. This document therefore represents both an early American financial instrument and a tangible remnant of Massachusetts’ effort to finance the struggle for independence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe certificate is complete with broad margins and strong printed detail. It displays expected toning, folds, minor edge wear and small ink-corrosion losses around one committee signature. Gardner’s signature is crossed through as an official period cancellation, indicating that the obligation was likely redeemed. Period accounting endorsements remain visible on the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA handsome and displayable Revolutionary War financial document featuring evocative Massachusetts patriotic symbolism.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52715397415194,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2270.jpg?v=1787098550","url":"https:\/\/www.thearchiveauthority.com\/products\/1780-massachusetts-revolutionary-war-lottery-treasury-certificate-rattlesnake-and-pine-tree-signed-by-henry-gardner","provider":"Signature Documents LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}