CVC & Collectables proudly presents the historic $50 Republic of Texas Treasury Note, dated January 20, 1840, was issued in Austin during the presidency of Mirabeau B. Lamar. Cataloged as Cr. TX-A7, Fifth Issue, this example is crosscut cancelled and certified PCGS Banknote Very Fine 25. Republic of Texas paper money was issued during a period when scarce specie and mounting government expenses made treasury notes essential to the young republic’s finances.
Currency Highlights
- Issuer: Republic of Texas
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Denomination: $50
- Date: January 20, 1840
- Catalog Number: Cr. TX-A7
- Issue: Fifth Issue
- Serial Number: 2781
- Plate: A
- Printer: RWH&E
- Cancellation: Crosscut Cancelled
- Grade: PCGS Banknote Very Fine 25
- PCGS Certification: 54223196
Design & Devices
Face: Features bold REPUBLIC OF TEXAS and FIFTY inscriptions across the center, multiple ornate “50” denomination counters, a sailing vessel vignette, and an engraved portrait at right. The Treasury Department designation and handwritten signatures appear across the lower portion.
Back: Printed primarily in red with a large central five-pointed star surrounded by decorative elements and additional denomination-related devices, creating the distinctive appearance associated with Republic of Texas currency of this period.
Historical Significance
The Republic of Texas existed as an independent nation from 1836 until annexation by the United States. The government struggled with shortages of gold and silver and increasingly relied upon paper currency to meet its financial obligations. In 1839, the Lamar administration authorized a new series of non-interest-bearing treasury notes, commonly associated with the famous “redback” currency era.
The date is especially significant because Austin had become the Republic’s capital only months earlier, in October 1839. This January 20, 1840 Treasury Note therefore dates from the early period of Republic government operations in the new capital.
Collectibility
Original Republic of Texas currency provides a direct connection to the brief period when Texas functioned as an independent nation. This $50 example combines a substantial denomination, an 1840 Austin issue date, Fifth Issue attribution, surviving handwritten elements, and PCGS certification.
The note is certified PCGS VF25, with the holder specifically identifying it as Cr. TX-A7, Fifth Issue / Crosscut Cancelled.
