Isaac Newton Document Signed.

NEWTON, Isaac.

$98,000.00

Item Number: 149618

Rare vellum manuscript signed by Sir Isaac Newton as Warden of the Royal Mint, in which he makes a case against his nemesis, coin counterfeiter William Chaloner, soon to be hanged for high treason. One page, vellum manuscript document signed by Isaac Newton,  “Is. Newton,” January 25 [1698-1699]. Recognizance bond issued by Isaac Newton as Warden of the Royal Mint to ensure the future appearance of Nathaniel Peck as a witness against Newton’s nemesis, the counterfeiter William Chaloner. The document reads in part, “Nathanl Peck de Black Fryars London…Thos Worley de St Sepulchres London Glover…Symon Cross de east Aurifaber…Upon Condition the said Peck do personally appear at the next Genll Sessions of the peace …in St John str for the County aforesaid Then and there to answer…objected agt him touching his packing away Counterfeit money for advantage.” Appointed as Warden of the Mint in 1696 upon the recommendation of Charles Montagu, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Isaac Newton ascended to the role of Master of the Mint the following year—a position he would retain for the remainder of his life. Prioritizing his duties at the Mint over his academic commitments, he relinquished his responsibilities at Cambridge in 1701 to devote himself fully to the office. As Master, Newton spearheaded significant currency reforms and pursued counterfeiters with unwavering diligence, wielding the full force of the law, as exemplified by the fate of William Chaloner. On the very day Newton signed this bond, he received a formal statement from Nathaniel Peck, who attested that, seven years prior, Chaloner had commissioned him to modify two iron pieces, which were subsequently used to produce counterfeit French pistoles. Additionally, Peck admitted to purchasing counterfeit pistoles from Chaloner at a rate of eight shillings per coin and reselling them for eleven shillings. Some months later, Chaloner provided Peck with forged guineas, which he likewise circulated before Chaloner turned to Thomas Holloway as his preferred distributor. By early 1699, Newton had compiled a formidable body of evidence against Chaloner, consisting of 44 depositions. Chaloner had been apprehended in November 1698 on charges of forging lottery tickets, though those specific allegations were ultimately dismissed. Nevertheless, Newton proceeded to indict him on three separate counts, securing a conviction for high treason on March 3, 1699. Mere weeks later, on March 22, Chaloner met his end at the gallows of Tyburn. In good condition, fold at center, scattered toning. Archivally mounted, matted, and framed with a portrait of Newton. The document measures 12.25 inches by 3 inches. The entire piece measures 23.5 inches by 23 inches. Signed documents by Newton are exceptionally rare.

Isaac Newton (1643–1727) was an English mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists in history. His groundbreaking work, Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (1687), laid the foundation for classical mechanics, introducing the laws of motion and universal gravitation. However, beyond his scientific achievements, Newton played a crucial role in England’s financial and legal system. In 1696, he was appointed Warden of the Royal Mint, largely due to the recommendation of Charles Montagu, Chancellor of the Exchequer. A few years later, in 1699, he became Master of the Mint, a position he held until his death. Newton took his role seriously, overseeing the recoinage of England’s currency, implementing measures to stabilize the economy, and aggressively pursuing counterfeiters. His meticulous investigations led to the conviction of notorious forgers like William Chaloner, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of England’s monetary system.