Lot 1618

Description

Burra Burra Mines, three pounds, specimen pay form as a currency note, not dated but c.1840's (184- printed), on watermarked paper inscribed RM INN & Co, no imprint, with butt as a receipt, states on front 'To the secretary of the South Australian Mining Association Pay .... or bearer, the sum of THREE POUNDS on account of....', black on white. Centre fold, minor toning on bottom edge, gum staining on back, otherwise extremely fine and very rare.

The denomination of Three Pounds is most unusual. The Colony of South Australia was very dependent on its mining developments and the habitual shortage of circulating currency frequently resulted in issued Pay Forms from this and similar establishments, being used as currency in the local area by the simple expedient of endorsement as in latter day cheques.