Watch List notes:

CUBA. Republica de Cuba. 20 Pesos, 1869. P-Unlisted. Executive Order Announcement Certificates. PMG Very Fine 30 Net. Tape Repair, Toned.
Orden Ejecutiva Sobre El Papel Moneda. This is a piece of history that should stun buyers of Cuban paper money. The Ten Years' War lasted from 1868 to 1878, and was the first of three wars fought against the Spanish for independence. Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, a sugar mill owner, and his followers (consisting of Cuban-born planters and natives) declared independence from Spain, revolting against the colonial rule. In April of 1869, Cespedes would be elected as the first president of the Republic in Arms. He was later deposed in 1873 due to internal strife within the revolution, and killed by the Spanish in 1874 after being captured (the Republic in Arms refused to let him flee to the United States). The war was long and bloody. The Spanish committed many atrocities against the Cubans, such as summarily executing military age males, executing neutral merchant sailors carrying arms for the revolutionaries, razing cities that did not immediately surrender, and putting civilians into concentration camps.

The revolutionaries initially had the upper hand against the Spanish in combat (such as employing machete charges), but the resources and supplies the Spanish provided their troops & supporters turned the tide against the rebels. The insurgency began to fade after years of fighting and internal political strike, and after the third president Tomás Estrada Palma was captured the Spanish, the revolutionaries began peace negotiations and ended the war on May 28, 1878.

This order was signed by the first president of the Republic in Arms, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes. It has also been signed by the Secretario de Hacienda Eligio Izaguirre and Secretario del Interior Eduardo Agramonte. The top portion is pen numbered "190", and the serial number of the notes are "231", containing plates G through L. All are penned dated June 19, 1869 and handsigned. A special fact about the notes is that Cuba never issued a 20 Pesos for the 1869 series. This denomination is not listed in the SCWPM as having existed, so this is sure to turn a few heads. This sheet will garner lots of attention, and it will most certainly enter a top tier collection, to be cherished for years to come. We wouldn't expect this sheet to come back on the market anytime soon.Part of the inscription above the notes reads:

"Executive Order Pertaining To Paper Money

C. Carlos Manuel Cespedes President of the Republic of Cuba

Making use of the powers and authority that I exercise and of the ratification granted by the House of Representatives on June 15 of the current year, taking into consideration that it is of high importance to the cause of Independence and Freedom of the Nation, House of Commerce and the needs of the State in General."

PMG comments "Tape Repair, Toned."

Estimate: $7500 - $12500