The Banco di Sicilia, founded in 1849, was one of the most influential and long-standing financial institutions in Italian economic history. The credit bond issued on August 31, 1923, is a document of great historical value and represents a tangible example of the financial operations that Banco di Sicilia conducted to support the island's economy during a period of significant economic and social turbulence.
Historical Context
In 1923, Italy was undergoing a period of profound political and economic transformations. The post-war crisis and the rise of fascism were shaping the national landscape, while Sicily, like other regions, was grappling with economic problems due to post-war reconstruction and the agricultural crisis. In this context, Banco di Sicilia played a crucial role in providing credit and financial support to local businesses, helping to maintain economic stability during a critical phase of Italian history.
Document Details
Document Characteristics:
- Type of Document: Credit Bond
- Issue Date: August 31, 1923
- Nominal Value: 1247.27 lire
- Location: Palermo
- Signed by: The Accountant and The Cashier
- Stamped: "Annullato" with original stamps from the period, dated September 7, 1923.
Artistic and Typographic Details:
- Graphic and Design: The credit bond features an elaborate frame with classic decorative motifs and symbols that evoke stability and trust, core values of Banco di Sicilia. The winged angels atop the bank's central emblem symbolize protection and guarantee, representative of the institution's mission. The design is likely the work of a specialized illustrator in bank documents, as was customary at the time.
- Typography: Printed by the "Officine Carte Valori," a renowned printing house in Naples known for its quality productions.
- Predominant Colors: Pink with black and gray details, with golden accents highlighting the most important parts of the document.
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 (1923): | 3.5 million lire |
Valuation and Rarity
This document represents a significant example of Banco di Sicilia's credit bond and is considered rare for its excellent condition and the historical context in which it was issued. Collectors of 20th-century historical bank documents will appreciate the importance of this piece, which adds value to any scripophily collection.
