Mesmerizing Monograms in Newman Internet Part 2

The April 2, 1776, North Carolina issue features 56 distinct types ranging in denomination from $1/16 to $20. This issue's multiple denominations, interesting folk-style engraved vignettes, andunusual and somewhat mysterious monogram notes combine to make it one of the most interesting and diverse series of Colonial Currency.

Eric P. Newman attained all six monogrammed types, a very rare achievement. These intriguing notes are featured in the Newman Collection Internet-only Part 2 auction currently open for bidding onthe Heritage website at HA.com/241622 .

Lot 90166: North Carolina April 2, 1776 $1/8 Monogram with Regular and Mirrored H Fr. NC-154d.
www.HA.com/241622-012189

The "Mirrored H" monogram type is exceedingly rare and one of the hardest to find of the 56 April 2, 1776 types. The fact that it was missing from the F. C. C. Boyd Collection makes the rarityquite evident. This has a very sharply printed monogram at the lower left.

Lot 90167: North Carolina April 2, 1776 $1/8 JM Monogram Fr. NC-154e.
www.HA.com/241622-012190

Another exceedingly rare low-denomination type with an unusual monogram at the lower left. The "JM" monogram also uses a mirrored image style with the lettering in white on a darker background.This type was also missing from the comprehensive Boyd Collection. Though 12,500 were authorized, few still exist.

Lot 90168: North Carolina April 2, 1776 $1/4 FB in Black Script Monogram Fr. NC-155d.
www.HA.com/241622-012191

Another rare low-denomination type with a circular "FB" monogram at the lower left. The interlocking (or intertwined) initials are in black on a light background. The diminutive face at the centerof the monogram may have served as a secret mark to deter counterfeiters.

Lot 90169: North Carolina April 2, 1776 $1/4 NCSN in White Script Monogram Fr. NC-155e.
www.HA.com/241622-012192

This is a second $1/4 denomination. The circular interlocking (or intertwined) monogram is in white on a dark background. The arrangement of the letters suggests the boldly printed monogram is"NSCN." The first "N" is reversed, the "S" is dominant in the center, the "C" is next, and finally, a forward "N" is at the right.

Lot 90170: North Carolina April 2, 1776 $1/2 LAC? in White Script with Toothed Border of Triangles Monogram Fr. NC-156e.
www.HA.com/241622-012193

This is the first of two $1/2 notes with monograms and engravers initials in the upper left corner. The lower left monogram is intricate, and the letters appear to be "LAC" in white on adark background. Around the perimeter is a toothed border of triangles. A horizontal "GL," for silversmith Gabriel Lewyn, appears in Roman type at the upper left corner. This rare type wasmissing from the Boyd Collection. Noted with "Splits and Minor Damage; Tape Repairs on Back." The face is bright and the note maintains excellent eye appeal.

Lot 901701: North Carolina April 2, 1776 $1/2 GL in White Script with Toothed Border of Radial Lines Monogram

This second style $1/2 monogram note is the last of six different types. The interlocking monogram lettering appears to be "GL" in intricate white letters on a dark background, but this has notbeen specified in the Newman reference. This seems logical since there is a script "GL" (Gabriel Lewyn) monogram perpendicular on this type at the upper left. The Roman letter "GL" monogram alsoappears on four other notes in the series: $2 Fox, $5 Triton, $7-1/2 U. S. Flag, and $20 Rattlesnake. Like all the fractional notes, rare and difficult to obtain in high grades.

Except for the "GL" discussed above, we are unaware of the significance of the initials in the other five North Carolina monogrammed notes. We would be most appreciative of any information thatsheds light on the significance of these mesmerizing monograms.