Lot 3350

Description

FitzRoy Debenture, one pound sterling, Auckland, 1st June 1844, bearing interest of 5% and payable at one pound one shilling, No.7808, 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 p.157-165, Hargreaves p.39-46). The second known example in private hands, closely trimmed on left edge, otherwise good fine and extremely rare.

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. A similar example in our sale 54 (lot 2991) realised $5940.