1863 HAITIAN "COW ISLAND" NOTE

Proof in black and white; punch canceled. 182 x 76mm. Cotton being picked. This is one of the strangest issues made as a result of the US Civil War. Bernard Kock, opportunist and entrepreneur, wanted to colonize Ile A'Vache (Cow Island), Ha ti with 5,000 freed American slaves. With Lincoln's assistance, Kock started his venture in 1863. But without critical funding from his backers, the colony never fully materialized; Kock was "left out to dry." He had noble plans of building a community with profit sharing for the slaves. The Haitian government had promised citizenship to the participants but that also never happened. Kock's currency, without backing, could be used only at his company stores.

Ile A'Vache folded in December 1863 when Kock's financial partners abandoned their interest. On Dec. 22, President Lincoln sent a ship to bring the remaining slaves back to the US, thus canceling any future colonization plans. Small tape on plain back; couple tiny brown spots; close lower left corner margin. Sharply printed and very attractive, a true West Indies rarity. Two examples of lower denominations brought $2700 each at auction twelve years ago.

To read the complete lot description, see: NL 20 Haitien Gourdes/Dollars 1.1.1863 (www.lynknight.com/ShowAuctionDetails.Asp?auction_Id=222689)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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