Lot 38
(Ephemera) Russian-American Company 50k "Sealskin" Note. Ca. 1816-32, clear strong printing on front and reverse with manuscript serial number, natural horizontal bend just affecting top of printing, Very Fine and the only known example recorded by us, a wonderful example of this rare Russian American Company scrip, with an estimated 150 to 200 total pieces are believed to have survived, with many of the survivors housed in museums around the world leaving very few pieces available to private collectors.Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
Russian American Company banknotes have been called "walrus or sealskin money" as some were printed on walrus skins, although most issues are found on parchment, issued from about 1816 until 1832. These tokens were issued at Baranov suggestion, "in order to facilitate settling accounts with the hunters, the board of directors sent the colonies parchment tokens{marki} with the governments permission. They were to take the place of money and were distinguished in color and shape according to their value-1, 5, 10 or 25 paper rubles, and 10, 25, or 50 kopeks. Baranov was ordered to pay the salary of each employee in the colonies with these tokens. Goods and supplies in the companies stores were to be sold in exchange for the tokens, with certain restrictions on alcoholic beverages (the sale of which was rationed) and luxury articles. On payday, when the tokens were distributed, company stores were to return the tokens they had received during that period. Forgers of the tokens were to be treated as criminals. The notes, known as "Kozhanye", circulated as far south as Fort Ross, which is just north of present day San Francisco.
Realized: $9,500