George Clymer Philadelphia Bank $20 Note – May 9, 1814 – Possible Manuscript Signature of Declaration & Constitution Signer – Exceptional Research Opportunity
The Philadelphia Bank
Twenty Dollar Promissory Note
Philadelphia, May 9, 1814
An exceptionally important and intriguing early American banknote issued by The Philadelphia Bank, payable to bearer on demand for Twenty Dollars, dated May 9, 1814, and bearing the signature "Geo. Clymer" as President.
George Clymer (1739–1813) occupies a unique place in American history as one of only six Founding Fathers to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. He served as the first President of The Philadelphia Bank from 1803 until his death on January 23, 1813.
Research Observations
Detailed examination of this note and comparison with other surviving May 1814 Philadelphia Bank $20 notes has produced several noteworthy observations:
- The George Clymer signature occupies a different position on each examined example rather than appearing in an identical location.
- The cashier's signature ("J. Campbell") likewise varies in placement from note to note.
- Preliminary comparison suggests structural differences in the letterforms and terminal flourishes of the Clymer signatures rather than exact duplication expected from a single engraved printing plate.
- Magnified examination of this note indicates characteristics consistent with pen-applied iron-gall ink, including variable line width, ink pooling at changes of direction, natural feathering into the paper fibers, and uneven ink penetration visible from the reverse.
- The reverse of the note shows ink strike-through consistent with writing applied directly to the paper rather than a uniform printed impression.
Taken together, these observations indicate that the signatures were applied individually by hand rather than engraved as part of the banknote design.
Historical Context
The apparent contradiction is that this note is dated May 9, 1814, more than a year after George Clymer's death.
One plausible explanation is that The Philadelphia Bank maintained a supply of previously signed blank notes, completing them with dates, serial numbers, and payees as they were issued. This practice was employed by a number of early nineteenth-century banks to facilitate circulation. By June 1st the new President signed these notes.
Importance
This remains an attractive War of 1812-era Philadelphia Bank note associated with one of America's most distinguished Founding Fathers.
If future research confirms that these notes were issued from pre-signed blanks bearing George Clymer's authentic manuscript signature, this example would represent one of the most important and desirable surviving forms of Clymer's autograph, combining:
- A signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
- President of The Philadelphia Bank.
- Original circulating banknote.
- War of 1812 financial history.
- Exceptional rarity.
Description
- Original Philadelphia Bank $20 note
- Philadelphia, May 9, 1814
- Payable to bearer on demand
- Signed "Geo. Clymer," President
- Signed by Cashier J. Campbell
- Serial number present
- Contemporary cancellation markings on reverse
- Strong engraved vignettes and original paper
Condition
Very Good to Fine.
Original circulated example with period endorsements and cancellation markings. Displays well with attractive engraved design and legible officer signatures.
Research Disclaimer
The discussion regarding the signatures is based on comparative examination of this note alongside other surviving May 1814 Philadelphia Bank examples, including observed differences in signature placement, letterform structure, and ink characteristics. These observations support a research hypothesis, not a definitive conclusion. If desired, a final determination regarding whether the signatures are manuscript or printed could be made through professional forensic examination and archival documentation of The Philadelphia Bank's note-signing and issuance practices.
The Philadelphia Bank
Twenty Dollar Promissory Note
Philadelphia, May 9, 1814
An exceptionally important and intriguing early American banknote issued by The Philadelphia Bank, payable to bearer on demand for Twenty Dollars, dated May 9, 1814, and bearing the signature "Geo. Clymer" as President.
George Clymer (1739–1813) occupies a unique place in American history as one of only six Founding Fathers to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. He served as the first President of The Philadelphia Bank from 1803 until his death on January 23, 1813.
Research Observations
Detailed examination of this note and comparison with other surviving May 1814 Philadelphia Bank $20 notes has produced several noteworthy observations:
- The George Clymer signature occupies a different position on each examined example rather than appearing in an identical location.
- The cashier's signature ("J. Campbell") likewise varies in placement from note to note.
- Preliminary comparison suggests structural differences in the letterforms and terminal flourishes of the Clymer signatures rather than exact duplication expected from a single engraved printing plate.
- Magnified examination of this note indicates characteristics consistent with pen-applied iron-gall ink, including variable line width, ink pooling at changes of direction, natural feathering into the paper fibers, and uneven ink penetration visible from the reverse.
- The reverse of the note shows ink strike-through consistent with writing applied directly to the paper rather than a uniform printed impression.
Taken together, these observations indicate that the signatures were applied individually by hand rather than engraved as part of the banknote design.
Historical Context
The apparent contradiction is that this note is dated May 9, 1814, more than a year after George Clymer's death.
One plausible explanation is that The Philadelphia Bank maintained a supply of previously signed blank notes, completing them with dates, serial numbers, and payees as they were issued. This practice was employed by a number of early nineteenth-century banks to facilitate circulation. By June 1st the new President signed these notes.
Importance
This remains an attractive War of 1812-era Philadelphia Bank note associated with one of America's most distinguished Founding Fathers.
If future research confirms that these notes were issued from pre-signed blanks bearing George Clymer's authentic manuscript signature, this example would represent one of the most important and desirable surviving forms of Clymer's autograph, combining:
- A signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
- President of The Philadelphia Bank.
- Original circulating banknote.
- War of 1812 financial history.
- Exceptional rarity.
Description
- Original Philadelphia Bank $20 note
- Philadelphia, May 9, 1814
- Payable to bearer on demand
- Signed "Geo. Clymer," President
- Signed by Cashier J. Campbell
- Serial number present
- Contemporary cancellation markings on reverse
- Strong engraved vignettes and original paper
Condition
Very Good to Fine.
Original circulated example with period endorsements and cancellation markings. Displays well with attractive engraved design and legible officer signatures.
Research Disclaimer
The discussion regarding the signatures is based on comparative examination of this note alongside other surviving May 1814 Philadelphia Bank examples, including observed differences in signature placement, letterform structure, and ink characteristics. These observations support a research hypothesis, not a definitive conclusion. If desired, a final determination regarding whether the signatures are manuscript or printed could be made through professional forensic examination and archival documentation of The Philadelphia Bank's note-signing and issuance practices.
