Photo of an off-white piece of paper currency with a wavy top edge and text that indicates the paper is worth five shillings along with several signatures in the bottom right corner.
Photograph by Robert Kato

Earliest-issued New York City money
New York: William Bradford, ca. 1708
Rare Book Division

Earliest-issued New York City money

As the official printer of the Province of New York, William Bradford regularly published government documents such as official charters and legislative decrees. In 1709 he was tasked with printing the colony’s first paper money—the five- and ten-shilling indented bills seen here.

The term “indented bill” derives from the stub cut from each note, which left an irregular, wavy edge. Provided it fit the corresponding stub kept on file by the government, such bills could be redeemed by the holder for coin in the amount of the stated denomination. New York was only the third colony to issue paper currency, following Massachusetts in 1690 and South Carolina in 1703.

: Rare Book Division

: View record

Not currently on view

The New York Public Library believes that this item is in the public domain under the laws of the United States, but did not make a determination as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. This item may not be in the public domain under the laws of other countries. Though not required, if you want to credit us as the source, please use the following statement, "From The New York Public Library," and provide a link back to the item on our Digital Collections site. Doing so helps us track how our collection is used and helps justify freely releasing even more content in the future.

Items in New York City

View All Items in This Section