00 Confederate States Coupon Bond – Criswell 81, Ball 47

Description

00 Confederate States Coupon Bond – Criswell 81, Ball 47
Offered for your consideration is a 00 bond issued by the Confederate States of America under the Act of August 19, 1861. It was catalogued by the late Grover Criswell as Cr. 81 and by the late Dr. Douglas Ball as B. 47. The central vignette is somewhat unusual, depicting as it does four putti, engaged in various activities that appear to be related to wine or alcohol production. Two of these figures carry a pole on their shoulders, with a pail full of what seem to be grapes suspended between them. Another figure carries a sheaf of wheat or other grain above his head, while the fourth appears to be pulling grapes from a stick. Above this, in the center is printed “
LOAN
”, flanked by “
Confederate States of America
”, with “
Authorized by the Act of Congress C. S. A. of August 19 1861
”, between inscription and vignette. Flanking the central vignette is the rate of interest and the maturation date, with a lengthy financial obligation, executed in a lovely italic script, below. This obligation states (in part) that “
On the first day of July 1867, The Confederate States of America will pay to the Bearer of this Bond … the sum of One Thousand Dollars, with interest thereon … at the rate of Eight per cent, per annum …
”. It further indicates that “
… This debt is authorized by an act of Congress, approved August 19, 1861, entitled, “An Act to Authorize the issue of Treasury Notes, and provide a War tax for their redemption.” …”
.
In conclusion,
“… the Register of the Treasury, in pursuance of the said Act of Congress, hath hereunto set his hand, and affixed the seal of the Treasury at RICHMOND, this
7
th
day of
Feby
186
2
…”
, with the signature of the register,
“Ro. Tyler”
, appearing at the lower right.
All of the foregoing elements are enclosed in a decorative rectangular frame, neatly separating them from the five remaining interest coupons. Each of these coupons was valued at “
FORTY DOLLARS
” and was hand-signed by “
N C Crenshaw
”, one of the many Treasury employees authorized to sign financial instruments.
This bond was printed by
“HOYER & LUDWIG RICHMOND VA.”
, as evidenced by their imprint at the lower center.
In common with most government bonds of this era, the reverse of this piece is blank. Confederate fiscal records indicate that 1,199 bonds of this type were originally issued, though how many have survived the intervening 150+ years is unknown. A great bond to frame with a piece of Confederate currency for display in a den or office.
Robert Tyler
was the son of John Tyler, the 10
th
President of the United States, and served as the register of the Confederate Treasury from August 13, 1861 until the close of the war. He received his position mainly through the influence of his father and not due to any special abilities of his own. It is interesting to note that during his father’s administration, Robert spent a great deal of time in the White House, and his wife served for some time as the official hostess.
Light toning is present across the entire surface of this historic piece, imparting an off-white to beige hue. This toning appears darker at the edges, as well as along the expected folds. The back exhibits slightly more toning, as well as scattered light soiling. Some scattered foxing spots are mentioned for accuracy, as these are quite light and well-spaced within the design. In common with virtually all documents of this type, numerous storage folds, both vertical and horizontal (with a few on the diagonal), are present (these occurred when the documents were placed in safes or the cubbyholes of desks). Wrinkling is present throughout the piece, especially at the bottom center. Small tears are noted at the edges, though these could easily be covered if the bond were framed. A pencil notation at the top center could also be covered by a mat if framed. This historic document measures approximately 13¾ x 14¼ inches including the selvage. This piece would look great framed, with the mat covering the majority of the condition issues. A rarely encountered bond, generally found with more significant condition issues.
A .95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA