Justice and Liberty on the 1869 Rainbow Notes: Allegorical Women in Reconstruction-Era Currency Art
The 1869 Legal Tender ‘Rainbow Notes’ feature some of the most striking allegorical figures ever engraved on American paper money, including personifications of Justice, Liberty, and Commerce that reflect the ideals and anxieties of the Reconstruction era. Understanding these designs unlocks a richer appreciation for the notes as historical documents, not just collectibles.
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