Catalog
50 Dollars 'Redback'
| Issuer | Republic of Texas Treasury Department |
|---|---|
| Year | 1839-1841 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | 1846 |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | The obverse is printed in black on pale paper with four guilloche-framed denomination counters reading '50' at each corner. A scenic vignette at upper left shows allegorical figures beside a burning landscape, while a central oval counter bearing the numeral '50' is flanked by a detailed engraved vignette of a full-rigged sailing vessel under way. A portrait vignette of a gentleman in formal dress occupies the lower right panel. The bold central legend reads 'THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS' above 'FIFTY Dollars', with the promissory text and 'TREASURY DEPARTMENT' inscribed across the face, and the Republic of Texas seal appearing near the lower center alongside two manuscript signatures. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse is printed in red-orange ink, with a large bold five-pointed star at center; the letters T, E, X, A, and S are placed individually between the star's five points, spanning the full width of the note. The design is intentionally simple, with the star and lettering serving as the sole compositional elements — a style that gave this series its popular 'Redback' nickname. |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
The Republic of Texas financed its brief existence largely on the strength of promises. These notes, printed by Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson across two cities, were part of a currency series whose value collapsed almost immediately upon issue — by 1842, Texas paper traded at roughly 15 cents on the dollar against specie. The "Redback" designation comes from the distinctive red ink used on the reverse, distinguishing this series from the earlier "Redbacks" and the near-worthless "Exchequer bills" that followed.
Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson later became the American Bank Note Company. Their involvement here is one of the earliest documented examples of that lineage printing sovereign currency for a foreign government.