Lot 2865

Description

Molsons Bank, first chartered issue, uniface printer's proofs (front and back), fifty dollars, October 1st 1855, not numbered, imprint American Bank Note Co. New York, with 'plate proof' pencilled on back of each and punchhole cancellations (P.S1209). Mounted on cardboard, good extremely fine. (2)

The Molsons Bank of Montreal (1837-1925) operated briefly as a private bank from 1837-38. Their license to engage in general banking business was turned down in March 1839 because the government felt that the Molsons 'were already being engaged in extensive business as brewers and distillers'. In 1853 the Molsons again entered the banking business under the Free Banking Act. The Molsons Bank operated as a free bank until 1855, when it received a Provincial Charter. The Molsons Bank was acquired by the Bank of Montreal in 1925.