Thomas Paine's impoverishment at death

Setting records straight

On the subject of Paine's supposed impoverishment at the time of his death, the administration of his will showed that he was worth conservatively $8000.00 in currency. In today's dollars that would be worth $165,000.00 at least. This and other slanders were spread by Federalists and evangelicals who hated and feared Paine and were willing to believe anything about him. Some of these stories persist. Thomas Paine lived simply, some have said penuiously; but there are many examples of generosity, not least his protection and provision for the Bonneville brothers.

Below is the engraving of Wm. Sharpe after the original painting by George Romney, now “lost” — probably sitting in someone’s attic in England. This was said by Paine’s colleagues to be the best likeness.