The Misspelled Word

The word is “Pensylvania”, with one “n”, in the line “By Order of the ASSEMBLY of the Province of PENSYLVANIA”. It was an accepted alternative spelling at the time, not a mistake. Alexander Hamilton used it on the Constitution’s signature page in 1787 (Wikipedia).

WordPensylvania

Missing letterOne “n”

Status thenAn accepted spelling

Also usedConstitution signature page, 1787

The full inscription reads “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof Lev. XXV X” and “By Order of the ASSEMBLY of the Province of PENSYLVANIA for the State House in Philada”, and the bell also carries the mark “Pass and Stow Philada MDCCLIII”. The inscription page explains each line, and the history page covers why the bell was ordered. Visitors cannot touch the bell, but the Liberty Bell Center has a casting of the inscription that visitors are encouraged to touch (NPS); the Liberty Bell Center page covers the visit.

Frequently asked questions

What word is misspelled on the Liberty Bell?

“Pensylvania”, spelled with one “n”. It was an accepted alternative spelling at the time.

What letter is missing on the Liberty Bell?

The second “n” in Pennsylvania. The bell reads “PENSYLVANIA”.

Was Pensylvania a mistake?

No. It was an accepted spelling then; Alexander Hamilton used it on the Constitution’s signature page in 1787 (Wikipedia). See the inscription page.