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19th Century
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1866-67 Bonds of The Irish Republic issued by the Fenians in the USA - a unique collection.
This collection includes the extremely rare higher denominations of One Hundred Dollars and Fifty
Dollars, along with the usual Ten Dollars and Twenty Dollars, all in large format issue, with printed
signature of John O’Mahony. The Fifty Dollar is unissued with counterfoil still attached, the others are
issued as follows: One Hundred Dollars to William Sullivan, dated 20 February 1866, Twenty Dollars to
John Davy on 17 February 1866, and Ten Dollars to Timothy A. Nugent on 30 March 1866.
Also included are extremely rare, if not unique, three die proofs of the portrait vignettes intended for
inclusion on the bonds, including Robert Emmett, the only one actually used. A very desirable collection
of these historic financial documents, treasured by scripophilists, banknote collectors and historians.
Provenance
The Collection of John E. Herzog;
His sale, Smythe, Memphis, 1992;
Private collection.
These bonds were issued in America to fund the Fenian Rising of 1867 and were “redeemable six months
after the acknowledgement of the Independence of the Irish Nation”. They were redeemed almost eighty
years later when Eamon De Valera called the Fenian bonds in. Any outstanding bonds were thereafter
valued as collectibles, which today occasionally show up at auction.
Estimate €8000-€10000 (approx £6800-£8500)
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