Lot 3019

Description

FitzRoy Debenture, one pound sterling, Auckland, 1st June 1844, bearing interest of 5% and payable at one pound one shilling, No.4729, handsigned by Governor Robert Fitzroy and Andrew Sinclair the Colonial Secretary. Vertically overprinted in red with the date of issue (1845) and handstamped by the Colonial Treasurer, (Sutherland 253 [p.184 and pp.157-165, Hargreaves p.39-46, Robb in Introduction p.iv). The only known example in private hands, with small tear on left and right border, otherwise fine and extremely rare.

Ex Spink Australia Sale 6 (lot 849), Sale 31 (lot 21) and Noble Numismatics Sale 54 (lot 2991, The Ross Meads Collection). A detailed account of this issue appears in the above cited references. Governor FitzRoy issued debenture notes for various denominations from five shillings to five pounds. They were popularly known as 'government rags' at that time, but today all are extremely rare.