Lot 2014

Description

Fitzroy Debenture, unissued ten shillings sterling note as legal tender, Auckland, 1st June 1844, No.8306, not signed, vertically overprinted in red with the date of issue (1845) and handstamped by the Colonial Treasurer, (Sutherland 253 [p.184 and pp.157-165 with 10/- note in Turnbull Library], Hargreaves p.39-46, Robb in Introduction p.iv). The only known example in private hands with counterfoil noted as payable 10th April 1846, with extensive repairs with tape, edge tears and one hole, otherwise very good 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.