The Banco di Sicilia was a cornerstone of the Sicilian and Italian economy throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries. The credit bond issued in 1920, presented here, is a historical document of great significance, symbolizing the crucial role this institution played in financing the economic and social activities of the island. These documents not only represent economic transactions but are also tangible testimonies of the historical context in which they were issued.
Historical Context
The year 1920 represents a period of transition and reconstruction for Italy, as it was recovering from the devastations of World War I. In Sicily, Banco di Sicilia continued to play a fundamental role in supporting the local economy by providing credit to agricultural and commercial enterprises, essential for economic recovery. This period was also marked by growing social tension, with the movement of the Sicilian Fasci in the preceding years and the economic crisis that would eventually lead to the rise of fascism.
Document Details
Document Characteristics:
- Type of Document: Credit Bond
- Issue Date: October 12, 1920
- Nominal Value: 1545 lire
- Location: Palermo
- Signed by: The Accountant and The Cashier
- Stamped: "Annullato" (Cancelled) on December 16, 1923, with the stamp of the Royal Carabinieri of Palermo.
Artistic and Typographic Details:
- Graphic and Design: The document's design features a refined decorative frame, typical of the Art Nouveau style of the period. The winged angels above the Banco di Sicilia crest symbolize protection and security of credit. The artist responsible for the design was likely a specialized illustrator in bank documents, common in those years.
- Typography: Printed by the same printing house "C. Barbini & Co." of Milan, renowned for its ability to produce high-quality bank and stock documents.
- Predominant Colors: Pink with brown details and black accents.
Historical Data of the Company
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Foundation: | 1849 |
| Headquarters: | Palermo, Italy |
| Name at Delisting: | Banco di Sicilia |
| Year of Stock Exchange Listing: | 1860 |
| Year of Delisting: | 1997 |
| Year of Company Closure: | 2010 |
| Capital at Foundation: | 10 million lire |
| Capital at Closure: | 1 billion lire |
| Revenue (1920): | 3 million lire |
Valuation and Rarity
This example of Banco di Sicilia's credit bond is a rare document, not only for its excellent preservation but also for its historical relevance linked to a critical period in Italian history. Documents like this are of great interest to collectors of 20th-century bank and stock certificates and represent a secure investment in the field of scripophily.
Why Collect Scripophily?
Scripophily offers a unique opportunity to own and preserve historical documents that tell economic and social stories of the past. These certificates are not just pieces of paper but real historical artifacts that can enrich any collection. Each document has a unique story, and collecting them means preserving a piece of history for future generations.
Suggestions for Preservation:
- Keep the documents in a protective frame with UV glass to prevent deterioration.
- Avoid exposure to humidity and direct sunlight.
- Consider purchasing a certificate of authenticity to add value to the document.
These documents are also a great gift idea for collectors, history enthusiasts, or economists, and can be used as decorative elements in professional and domestic environments, adding a touch of history and culture.
All historical documents for sale are intended for collection. The documents have no economic or financial value (no economic or financial value), and the images that are not the historical document are representative of the company's object and the reference historical period; they are not provided, but it is possible to download them freely from the website and print them;
