Extremely rare bank check, 8.75 x 4, filled out in another hand and signed by Hancock, dated October 26, 1767. In full: “At thirty days Sight of this third Exchange (First & Second unpay’d) pay unto Mr. Samuel Abbott or Order, Three Hundred pounds Sterling, value received, and charge it without further advice, to account of George Hayley Esq’r., Merch’t in London.” Mounted and framed with an engraving of Hancock to an overall size of 20.5 x 11.75. Reverse of frame bears an affixed Walter Benjamin label. In fine condition, with splitting along intersecting folds, and light mirroring of the printed portions of the check.
Years away from becoming the president of the Continental Congress, Hancock, then a 30-year-old Boston selectman, resisted the 1765 Stamp Act through the boycott of all British imports, a popular move that soon earned him a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Parliament countered the repeal with the 1767 Townshend Acts, a newly regulated customs system that was again opposed by Hancock and colonial merchants alike, refusing to purchase British goods until the oppressive duties were repealed. As this check demonstrates, Hancock’s personal dealings with the British were not fully suspended. An incredible piece of Colonial pecuniary history, and the first Hancock check we have ever offered.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$250.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
