Catalog
10 Dollars 'Redback'
| Issuer | Republic of Texas Treasury Department |
|---|---|
| Year | 1839-1841 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 10 Dollars |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Receivable for all Government dues. Twelve months after date THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS Promise to pay TEN DOLLARS to the bearer TREASY. DEPARTT. |
| Reverse description | Two ornate guilloche rosette vignettes printed in red ink flank the centre of the note. At centre, a five-pointed lone star is surrounded by the letters of 'TEXAS' arranged in a circular pattern, all printed in red ink, giving the note its distinctive 'Redback' nickname. |
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| Comments |
The Republic of Texas issued multiple denominations of treasury notes during its brief independent existence, and the "Redback" series — named for the distinctive red ink used on the reverse — was the second major paper currency the republic produced. By the time these notes entered circulation, the Texas economy was already struggling badly: the earlier "Redback" issues had depreciated sharply against specie, and public confidence in government paper was thin. At one point the notes traded at a fraction of face value against hard coin.
Austin was designated as the place of payment, though the notes were printed in the United States. The republic's chronic insolvency meant redemption was perpetually deferred, effectively making these instruments long-term obligations that most holders never saw honored in full before annexation by the United States in 1846 rendered them void.