Shopping Cart
There are no more items in your cart
The Banco di Sicilia, founded in 1849, was a key financial institution for the Sicilian and Italian economy. The credit bond issued in 1884, discussed in this article, is a historical document that represents an important example of the financial operations of the period. This certificate not only documented an economic transaction but also reflected the historical and social context of the time.
Historical Context
The year 1884 is situated in a period of significant transformation for post-unification Italy. Sicily, although still predominantly agricultural, was beginning to experience the first signs of industrialization and modernization. However, economic difficulties and frequent agrarian crises made a robust banking system necessary to support the local economy. The Banco di Sicilia, headquartered in Palermo, played a crucial role in this scenario by providing credit to farmers, merchants, and emerging industries.
Document Details
Document Characteristics:
- Type of Document: Credit Bond
- Issue Date: March 1, 1884
- Nominal Value: 5009 lire
- Location: Trapani
- Signed by: The Accountant and The Cashier
- Stamped: "Annullato" on March 7, 1884, with the stamp of the Palermo branch.
Artistic and Typographic Details:
- Graphic and Design: The document features a decorative frame rich in floral elements and symbols representing the security and stability of credit. The winged angels above the Banco di Sicilia's emblem symbolize protection, while the dominant pink color and brown and black details reflect the elegance typical of the documents of the time. The graphics can be attributed to an illustrator of the era, specialized in creating bank bonds.
- Typography: Printed by the "Berlam & Co." printing house in Milan, known for its quality work, especially in the production of official documents.
- Predominant Colors: Pink, brown, black, with golden accents in the decorations.
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 (1884): | 2 million lire |
Valuation and Rarity
This document is considered a rare piece in the scripophily landscape, especially due to its excellent condition and historical relevance. Collectors of 19th-century bank bonds will find in this credit bond a valuable addition to their collection.
Why Collect Scripophily?
Scripophily represents a direct connection to economic and social history. Documents like this credit bond offer a unique insight into the economic dynamics of a past era while possessing undeniable aesthetic value. Collecting these certificates is a way to preserve and appreciate the historical and cultural heritage of an era, investing in unique and significant pieces.
Suggestions for Preservation:
- Store the document in a frame with UV-protected glass to protect it from direct light.
- Keep the certificate in a moisture-free environment to avoid deterioration.
- Consider purchasing a certificate of authenticity to confirm the document's value.
These documents are also a perfect gift for collectors, historians, or economy enthusiasts, and can be displayed as elegant decorative elements in offices or homes, adding a touch of class and history.
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;
