SKU: 2367387027

 

A compelling piece of Revolutionary-era finance, this Massachusetts-Bay 5 Shillings note is dated June 18, 1776—just weeks before American independence—and certified by PMG as VF35. Cataloged as MA-204CT, it is a recognized contemporary counterfeit: a period-forged note produced to pass in circulation alongside genuine emissions. Today, such pieces are avidly collected for the insight they provide into colonial commerce, security printing, and the financial tensions of the time.

Key details

• Issuer: Massachusetts-Bay (US Colonial Currency)
• Denomination: 5 Shillings (Colonial Notes)
• Date: June 18, 1776
• PMG Certification: VF35, labeled MA-204CT (Contemporary Counterfeit)
• Type: Revolutionary War–era Massachusetts colonial note

Why this note stands out

• Historical resonance: Struck at the heart of 1776, this issue captures the economic realities of a colony on the cusp of independence. Massachusetts, famous for its 1652 “Pine Tree” silver coinage, remained a crucible of early American monetary history—making this note a natural companion to any collection anchored in that legacy.
• Scarcer collecting lane: Contemporary counterfeits were created and circulated in their day and often survive less frequently than their official counterparts. They are a distinct, well-documented specialty within US colonial currency and are listed by major references (as here with MA-204CT).
• Certified confidence: PMG’s VF35 grade indicates a solid Very Fine example with honest circulation and attractive, problem-free presentation for the type, backed by a trusted third-party holder.

Collector appeal

• For advanced numismatists: Adds depth to a Massachusetts, Revolutionary War, or counterfeit-detection subset with an attributed variety and dependable certification.
• For emerging collectors: An accessible, tangible artifact of 1776 that tells a richer story than a typical note—perfect for bridging history and numismatics.

SEO-focused highlights

• 1776 Massachusetts-Bay 5 Shillings
• MA-204CT Contemporary Counterfeit
• PMG VF35 Colonial Currency
• US Colonial Notes, June 18, 1776
• Massachusetts historical paper money (1652 legacy context)

Offered as a collectible historical artifact. A choice example for anyone seeking an engaging, certified piece of US colonial monetary history from the pivotal year of 1776.

 

Denomination	5 Shillings
Grading Service	PMG
Grade	VF35
Designation
Year	NONE
Population
Signatures	Contemporary Counterfeit
Note Series	June 18, 1776