| Description |
French Point, MO - T. R. Livingston & Co. Redeemable at J. M. Bryant's Store, C.[herokee] N.[ation], or at my Headquarters 25 Cents July 1, 1862. PCGS Very Fine 30 Apparent. The T. R. Livingston notes from the Newman Collection formed an auspicious group with numerous types. This is a historic currency issuer, with two different series; both are very intriguing. Eric P. Newman acquired as many denominations and styles of these notes as possible over eight decades and studied them carefully. Their direct relationship with the Indian Territories added to their allure. Along with his half-brother, William Parkinson, Missourian Thomas Robinson Livingston ran a lead mine, smelter, and store in French Point in Jasper County, a county bordering the Indian Territories. Their notes were redeemed at Cherokee Joel Mayes Bryant's store more than 100 miles west in "Coo-Y-Yah," now Prior, Oklahoma (per Maurice Burgett, page 75). Early in the war, Livingston dumped tons of molten lead into Center Creek at the Minersville operation to prevent its use for ammunition by approaching Union forces. Among other assignments, Confederate army major Livingston fought under Stand Waitie's First Cherokee Mounted Rifles and died leading a battle on July 11, 1863. This note is printed on delicate white rag paper without imprint. Intricate ends and corners contain the typeset text within. Town and date are at the top, "25 CENTS" is underneath, and the Gothic "In Confederate Money" is bolded across. The obligation near the bottom states it was "Redeemable at J. M. Bryant's Store, C.[herokee] N.[ation], French Point, or at my Headquarters." The issuer is engraved, and Livingston's countersignature is on the blank back. No. 145. Noted with "Edge Splits" only, this is particularly choice for the delicate white paper note type series. Much superior to the similar example we sold in Newman Internet 3 for $4,700. Issued by a prominent Confederate officer, this is an intriguing and storied scrip note tied to the Cherokee Nation. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
From Newman X (Heritage Auctions, November 2018), lot 20152, realized $4320. |
