[Hamilton, Alexander] [First Bank of the United States] Autograph Check, signed

Exceedingly rare check completely in the hand of Alexander Hamilton, and drawn on the very bank he created

Philadelphia, February 18, 1795. One sheet, 3 x 7 3/4 in. (76 x 197mm) (sight). Autograph Check, signed and executed entirely in the hand of Alexander Hamilton: "Cashier of The Bank of The U States Dollars 360/Pay to Edward Jones or order Three/hundred fifty Dollars Philadelphia/February 18, 1795—Alexander Hamilton"; endorsed by Jones on verso. Unexamined out of mat and double-pane glass gilt frame, 10 x 14 1/2 in. (254 x 368mm).

A very rare check signed and executed completely in the hand of Alexander Hamilton, with his scarce full signature, ten days after resigning as the first Secretary of the Treasury, and drawn on the bank he created, The Bank of the United States. Edward Jones (ca. 1755-1829) was the first chief clerk of the Treasury Department, was appointed by Hamilton in 1790, and served for 39 years until his death.

The Bank of the United States was established by a bill passed on January 20, 1791, with a charter of 20 years. Modeled after European central banks like the Bank of England, Alexander Hamilton designed the National Bank to work in tandem with the newly established Mint and Treasury, and work for the government while also propelling the economy forward. Its foundation though was not without controversy, as the passage of the bill fell neatly along partisan lines, with Federalists in the North overwhelmingly supporting it, while Southern politicians were vehemently and vocally against its establishment. It proved to be a partisan issue for decades to come.

We can locate only two other checks from Hamilton in the auction record. Extremely rare.

Christie's, New York, Books and Manuscripts, 12/5/2006, Sale 1770, Lot 246.

Sotheby's, New York, The Collection of the Late Joseph M. Roebling, April 28, 1981, Sale 4588 Lot 57