In life, Benjamin Franklin sought to manage debt, organize credit, build capital and promote virtue. After death, he continued this work by leaving a codicil to his last will and testament, bequeathing GBP2,000 to Boston and Philadelphia. This study examines Franklin's codicil and the financial history of America over the 200 years since his death.

In life, Benjamin Franklin sought to manage debt, organize credit, build capital and promote virtue. After death, he continued this work by leaving a codicil to his last will and testament, bequeathing GBP2,000 to Boston and Philadelphia. This study examines Franklin's codicil and the financial history of America over the 200 years since his death.