Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Money, Paper |
Common Name |
Currency |
Catalog Number |
1954.19 |
Maker |
Underwood, Bald, Spencer & Huft |
Date |
05/01/1837 |
Material(s) |
Paper/Ink |
Dimensions |
H-3 W-6.875 inches |
Description |
This is a Newport Lyceum one dollar note, May 1, 1837 issue, plate B, in black ink on beige paper. The serial number is 2134. It is located on the top edge right of center. On both short ends, there is an image of Athena, head only in an oval, in each corner. In Between these is a patterned circle with the number "1" in it. All of these are laid to face the center, giving the effect of the images of Athena being laid on their side. The main engraving is located at the top, right of center. It is of a Muse facing away from the viewer, with her left hand on a musical instrument similar to a lyre. In the background is a river with a factory on the left and a steamboat on the right. Above and to the right of this image is the serial number. To the left of this image is inscribed in a variety of fonts "Newport Kenty 1st May 1837 (date hand written in ink except "18" of "1837) / ONE / THE PRESIDENT & DIRECTORS / OF THE / NEWPORT LYCEUM / Promises to pay [name hand written in ink] or bearer on / demand ONE DOLLAR." Below this are the signatures of the cashier and the president. Between the signatures is a small engraving featuring a tramway. It is similar to a steam engine and train, but the cars look like stagecoaches and the "engine" (which is in the receding background) looks smaller than early steam locomotives. The makers mark is at the bottom "Underwood, Bald, Spencer & Huft / N.York & Philada." The reverse is blank. |
Notes |
A lyceum is an association providing public lectures, concerts, and entertainment and has the historical meaning of an educational institution in Europe. Athena is the goddess of war. Tramways allowed a line of wagons to be pulled by animals and later steam engines on wooden or metal rails laid flat on the ground. |
Collection |
Samuel M. Upton Collection |
Subjects |
Money Bank notes Bank note vignettes Currency Organizations |
Search Terms |
Newport (Ky.) Campbell County (Ky.) Kentucky New York Philadelphia (Pa.) |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |