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LOT 0020

Benjamin Butler & Greenback Party Satirized with

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Benjamin Butler & Greenback Party Satirized with Fictitious $100 Bill of "Absolute Money"

A fictitious $100 bill satirizing the Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign of Benjamin F. Butler (1818-1893), less known for his politicking as for his notoriety as a Civil War Major General and Federal commander of New Orleans. The piece of currency, ca. 1878, bears serial number A699369X and was issued in "Absolute Money - in nothing, at no time, and by nobody." A portrait of Butler is found at center. Cynical statements poking fun at Butler's Greenback Party affiliations appear around the edges of the bill recto, such as: "Blessed be Shinplasters. What the law declares to be money is money." A smaller portrait of Butler's fellow politician Dennis (Denis) Kearney (1847-1907) appears at upper left recto. Several philosophical statements about the concept of paper money are reproduced verso. Near fine. 8.75" x 3.5." Provenance: Offered at R.M. Smythe & Company (New York, New York) at their November 2, 1999 auction as Lot 5052.

Benjamin Butler, running as an independent with Greenback support, failed to secure the Massachusetts gubernatorial election of 1878. He was successfully elected in 1882 and served as Massachusetts Governor for one full year.

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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Time, Location
30 Sep 2020
USA, Westport, CT
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[ translate ]

Benjamin Butler & Greenback Party Satirized with Fictitious $100 Bill of "Absolute Money"

A fictitious $100 bill satirizing the Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign of Benjamin F. Butler (1818-1893), less known for his politicking as for his notoriety as a Civil War Major General and Federal commander of New Orleans. The piece of currency, ca. 1878, bears serial number A699369X and was issued in "Absolute Money - in nothing, at no time, and by nobody." A portrait of Butler is found at center. Cynical statements poking fun at Butler's Greenback Party affiliations appear around the edges of the bill recto, such as: "Blessed be Shinplasters. What the law declares to be money is money." A smaller portrait of Butler's fellow politician Dennis (Denis) Kearney (1847-1907) appears at upper left recto. Several philosophical statements about the concept of paper money are reproduced verso. Near fine. 8.75" x 3.5." Provenance: Offered at R.M. Smythe & Company (New York, New York) at their November 2, 1999 auction as Lot 5052.

Benjamin Butler, running as an independent with Greenback support, failed to secure the Massachusetts gubernatorial election of 1878. He was successfully elected in 1882 and served as Massachusetts Governor for one full year.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

[ translate ]
Sale price
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Estimate
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Time, Location
30 Sep 2020
USA, Westport, CT
Auction House
Unlock
View it on