Boston, Massachusetts. Massachusetts Bank. 1799 $10. PMG Very Fine 30. Counterfeit. (MA-270 C224) No. 277. Plate A. No imprint. Massachusetts shield at upper left. Ornate scroll work at the left end. Shaded "TEN" panel at center. A very scarce note and one of the few pre1800 engraved dated notes seen. We have never seen the genuine of this type in any form. Most of the surviving contemporary counterfeits from this plate are worn and damaged. Only the second we have cataloged and easily the finer of the two. The other one was comparable grade but had a large, damaged area, a fact that did not dissuade the winning bidder from paying $1,380 some fifteen years ago. Todays offering is found in a comment-free holder and is a real prize.
