Description:

Franklin Roosevelt
Albany, NY, July 17 [1930]
FDR Signed Check for Reimbursement Related to Spanish-American War!
Signed check

State of New York check, issued by the Adjutant General's Office in Albany, dated July 17, and signed by Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt. The check is made payable to Percy Townsend, for the amount of $3.75, with a notation stating that it is a refund related to the Spanish-American War. The check features a New York state seal with the motto "Excelsior", a printed serial number 2434, and perforated cancellation marks across the document. In fine condition, with some toning and smudging to the signature, some repair.

This check represents a financial reimbursement related to the Spanish-American War, a conflict fought in 1898 between the United States and Spain, largely triggered by the explosion of the USS Maine and growing American support for Cuban independence, leading to a swift U.S. victory and the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Issued more than three decades after the war, it was likely a veteran's benefit, military pension, or wartime service refund authorized by the New York state government, which, like many states, provided compensation and reimbursements to Spanish-American War veterans.

At the time, Franklin D. Roosevelt was Governor of New York (1929–1932), using the position to rebuild his political career following his battle with polio. His leadership during the Great Depression and progressive policies in New York helped shape his successful 1932 presidential campaign, in which he defeated Herbert Hoover to become the 32nd President of the United States, later implementing the New Deal and leading the country through World War II.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 3.5" x 9"
  • Medium: Signed check

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April 23, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
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$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
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$50,000 + $5,000