1925 Foreign Bondholder Deposit Certificate for Mississippi Bonds – SPECIMEN

Description

1925 Foreign Bondholder Deposit Certificate for Mississippi Bonds – SPECIMEN
Offered for your consideration is an unusual, SPECIMEN certificate, printed in 1925 for the deposit of 5% Mississippi bonds, originally issued in 1838. Headlined “
DEPOSIT CERTIFICATE
/
OF
/
5% Bonds of the State of Mississippi U.S.A.
/
(ISSUED TO THE UNION BANK IN 1838.)
”. The body of this document states that “
This Certificate
/
No. A000 REPRESENTS ,000
/
Mississippi State Bonds for TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS
/
of the above-mentioned class
deposited with the CORPORATION of
/
FOREIGN BONDHOLDERS, on the
conditions and for the
/
purposes endorsed hereon.
”. The document was issued “
FOR THE CORPORATION OF FOREIGN BONDHOLDERS
” and was to be signed by the “
Assistant Secretary.
”. The address, “
17, MOORGATE, LONDON, E. C. 2.
”, and date, “
21
st
December, 1925
” appears at the lower left, with “
On any redistribution Securities of the same class will be returned, but not necessarily
/
the actual Bonds lodged against issue of this Certificate.
” below. A statement, printed at the left, indicates that “
The Bonds represented by this Certificate bearing no stamp this Certificate is chargeable with
/
Stamp Duty on being assigned, transferred, or in any manner negotiated in the United Kingdom.
”.
The foregoing material is enclosed in a decorative, rectangular border, and is executed in dark red ink. The back, also accomplished in red ink, features a listing of “
The Conditions and purposes of the Deposit are:--
”, with the list encompassing four items, the first having three subheadings (see illustration). This certificate was printed by “
Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., Ltd.,
New Malden, Surrey, and 10/12, Copthall Avenue, E.C.2
”, as evidenced by their imprint at the bottom center on the front. This information, in shorter form, is repeated in the lower right corner with a punch-out statement indicating that this certificate is a “
SPECIMEN
” produced by “
BRADBURY WILKINSON & Co. L
/
LONDON
”. Two manuscript notations can be seen at the top, one of which appears to be the date “
17-12-25
”. This interesting and historic certificate would look great framed with one of the original bonds, or by itself with a printed story of the reason for its production (why were Mississippi bonds being deposited in a foreign country almost 90 years after their original issuance). A great research project.
Specimens are actual certificates that were printed in very limited quantities for trial or display purposes. Some printers retained them within their permanent archives as the only example of a particular certificate (a sort of template), while others would produce a few examples to be shown to the prospective client to show the quality of work that they could produce. These certificates would normally be stamped “SPECIMEN”, usually in red or blue, and bear a “00000” serial number. They would also feature numerous punch cancellations, generally in sensitive areas involving regular issues (signature lines, coupons). These issues are rare and desirable within the collector’s community.
Though by its very nature this piece is un-issued, it does exhibit signs of mishandling and less than ideal storage. Numerous folds and wrinkles can be seen at the edges of this certificate, possibly indicating that it became damp at some time in the past. Toning is present across the entire surface, imparting to the paper an off-white to light beige hue. This toning is slightly darker at the edges, though this could easily be hidden if the piece was matted and framed. Several foxing spots are scattered throughout the piece, principally visible on the less intricate back. A few small tears can be seen upon examination of the edges, easily strengthened with archival tape if desired. Very light fading appears to have occurred to the manuscript additions, possibly a result of the type of ink used. Measuring approximately 8½ x 10 inches, this piece would make a great addition to any Mississippi bond collection, as well as a great research project for the student of foreign finance. Rarely offered!
A .95 charge will be added to the winning bid for postage and insurance.
A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA