1897 Bill of Exchange – August Belmont & Co., New York, Payable in Paris via Rothschild Brothers
This rare 1897 bill of exchange was issued by August Belmont & Co., one of America’s most influential banking firms, founded by August Belmont, a key financier and diplomat. The document orders a payment of 10,000 francs to Courtois de Cramne in Paris via Rothschild Brothers, a powerhouse in European finance.
Visually, the bill features a striking engraved border, an elaborate coat of arms, and bold red "FIRST" typography, indicating it was the first in a series of exchange documents. Multiple stamps and endorsements confirm its circulation, with French revenue stamp, an essential tax requirement during the era. This piece reflects transatlantic banking connections and is a valuable collectible for those interested in the late 19th-century financial instruments and the history of international banking
