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The Case:
Between the pages of a book, a family in Omaha, Nebraska has found a puzzling $6 bill dated February 17, 1776.
The bill’s text and designs are replete with mysteries and clues. How could it claim to be federal currency when it’s dated five months before the colonies actually declared their independence? Why does it say it’s backed by “Spanish milled dollars”? What do the strange images on it mean?
Britain rightfully considered these monies sheer provocation, and reacted by flooding the market with counterfeit bills. Is our bill real – or perhaps real fakery?
History Detectives investigates an artifact that could represent America’s first declaration of its independence.
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Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
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- Latest CommentI have a Pearl Harbor story. It involves a bracelet that was fashioned from the dial labels of one of the kamikaze fighter jets. The dashboard was pulled out before the plane went up in flames after it had crashed. The bracelet was given to my grandmother, (23 hours ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (7 months ago)
- FacebookWes here -- hope everyone is having a great long weekend. As you enjoy your time with friends or family , take a minute to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. (4 hours ago)