Stuart Hanebuth

Tappan, NY

January 6, 1776, 8 Shilling New York City "Water Works" Currency

Known by collectors as the "New York Water Works" note, this issue represents the first paper money issued by an American city, prior to the Water Works notes all currency had been emitted by the authority of the colonies.. On the face the New York Water Works notes represent the development of New York City as the financial capital of the new nation. The notes were issued by the city of New York and were accepted as currency throughout New York State and the surrounding colonies.

The notes were hand numbered and signed by a number of individuals including: John H. Cruger, Whitehead Hicks, Jacob Lefferts and J. Watts Jr. Cruger was a wealthy New York Loyalist who served as lieutenant-colonel of the First Battalion of DeLancey's Brigade (provincial troops) and commanded the post at Ninety-Six through most of the Southern Campaign. Whitehead Hicks was the Mayor of New York from 1766 to 1776. John Watts was an American lawyer and politician from New York City who represented New York in the U.S. House.

The reverse scene is of a proposed steam-operated water pump, proposed by the engineer Christopher Colles, which was never fully implemented. This is an early recognition of the need for a robust infrastructure to support the growing city. As a result of this recognition New York has one of the more impressive water supply systems in the world.

The image of the steam pump was engraved by Elisha Gallaudet who was a noted engraver and artist at the time and was influential in the design of currency in a number of colonies as well as some early national issues.