Description:

Sam Houston
Houston, TX, ca. April 1 and November 1, 1838
Two Government of Texas Engraved Notes Issued During the Last Year of Sam Houston's First Term as President of the Republic
Engraved Currency

Two notes, each measuring approximately 7" x 3", listing Houston as the location of the seat of government, in $10 and $50 denominations during the year 1838. The $10 note depicts the steamboat Cayuga at left and an allegory of Industry at top right with tools at her feet. Holographically cancelled and dated April 1, 1838. The $50 note depicts a seated sailor tipping his hat and holding a Lone Star flag and an allegory of Justice at top center; dated November 1, 1838. Both notes exhibit wear with the $10 note showing heavier soiling and the $50 having cut cancellations at lower right.

These engraved notes were authorized by the year-old government to provide a more attractive and higher quality promissory note. They were paid out to redeem the previously issued "star" notes for face value plus interest. As with all notes produced by the Republic, they depreciated quickly and significantly and were soon replaced by Change Notes. William G. Cooke was authorized by the Texas Congress to sign on behalf of President Houston due to an old wrist wound suffered by him during military service in the Creek War.

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: 7" x 3"
  • Medium: Engraved Currency

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October 8, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000