Norton, Joshua Abraham (1819-1880) [Fifty-cent interest-bearing note from the Imperial Government of Norton I]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02729.02 Author/Creator: Norton, Joshua Abraham (1819-1880) Place Written: San Francisco, California Type: Document signed Date: 18 February 1878 Pagination: 1 p. ; 10 x 23.5 cm. Order a Copy
Signed by Joshua Abraham Norton as Norton I, self-proclaimed emperor of the United States. Check number 2510. On verso, affixed note reads "Yours Truly A.J. Bryant Mayor, San Francisco. Oct. 22nd, '78."
Joshua Norton was an Englishman who came to America during the California Gold Rush of 1849 and proclaimed himself emperor of the United States. Mark Twain is said to have modeled the character of Huck Finn on Norton.
2510 UNITED STATES.
The Imperial Government of
NORTON I
Promises to pay the holder hereof, the sum of Fifty Cents in the year 1880, with interest at 5 per cent. per annum, from date, the principal and interest to be convertible, at the option of the holder, at maturity, into 30 years 5 per cent. Bonds, or payable in Gold Coin.
Given under our Royal hand and seal,
This 18th day of February 1878 Norton/Emperor
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