Four-dollar note, issued April 10, 1774, typeset, Annapolis: A. C. and F. Green.
This four-dollar bill was printed in Annapolis by Anne Catherine Hoof Green (c.1720–1775) and her son Frederick (1750–1811), members of a prominent printing family in Colonial America. After her husband’s death in 1767, Anne successfully took over the family print shop and became Maryland’s official provincial printer. In addition to currency, she produced volumes of Maryland laws and the Maryland Gazette newspaper. Decorative ornaments on this bill were designed and signed by silversmith Thomas Sparrow (1746–1784), who also struck silver coins for circulation. The leaf motifs, official signatures, and the stern warning “Tis death to counterfeit,” were all intended to deter forgery and ensure authenticity.