Proof of one side of a New York Merchants Banking Company 100 Dollar Bill 1824 - 1827

This is a printer's proof of a 100-dollar bill from the New York Merchants Banking Company, engraved by Asher Brown Durand, a prominent figure in the 19th-century American art world. What we see here is more than just currency; it's a window into the complex relationship between art, commerce, and national identity. Banks like this one were a key part of early American capitalism, issuing their own banknotes. Durand's engraving elevates this piece of paper, adding a layer of cultural significance to a financial transaction. The bill features a classical portrait reminiscent of ancient coins, alongside an image of ships battling a storm. Durand’s decision to include these images reflects the values and aspirations of a young nation, linking its economic prosperity to ideals of classical virtue and maritime power. By studying the iconography and historical context of this banknote, with resources in economic and art history, we can better understand the values and assumptions that shaped early American society.