Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #13
Thomas Jefferson

A six-month supply of beer for America’s first secretary of state

This lot has closed

Estimate: $12000+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

A six-month supply of beer for America’s first secretary of state

Rare partially printed Bank of the United States check, 5.75 x 2.25, filled out and signed by Jefferson as secretary of state, “Th: Jefferson,” payable to Henry Pepper for $27.67, July 6, 1793. Archivally double-cloth-matted and framed with an image of Jefferson to an overall size of 13.75 x 20. In fine condition, with expected cancellation cut to body, few small spots of toning, and very light soiling. This remarkably well-preserved check is referenced in the book, Brewed In America: The History of Beer and Ale in the United States. Pepper was a Philadelphia brewer who made one of Jefferson’s favorite beverages. This $27.67 payment by Jefferson, who was serving as secretary of state at the time, was in exchange for a six months’ supply of Pepper’s product. During the late 18th and early 19th centuries partially printed checks were not yet commonly used, and checks of that era were usually entirely completed by hand, more closely resembling promissory notes. As such, partially printed examples of early presidents are significantly rarer than their manuscript counterparts. Only the second fully signed Jefferson check we have ever offered, and the first signed as America’s secretary of state. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts
  • Dates: #475 - Ended May 11, 2016





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.