2021-05-26 Wed

Russian-American, (Alaska) Sealskin Money of 10 Kopeks, is a very rare set of notes. What makes these notes so unique is the fact that they were actually printed on walrus skins and hence are often referred to as "walrus or sealskin money". Otter skins were shipped in waterproof walrus skin bags and the bags were then recycled to produce the notes. In Russia, the notes were known as Kozhanye (skins).

The Company issued and circulated these unique notes, which, by decree of the Czar, was given a monopoly on trading within Russian America, better known as Alaska today. Only five issues are known, dating from 1816 to 1852, all designed to facilitate the fur trade. From these 5 issues, only 125 exist today, a fair proportion of them in museums or other institutions. This particular note, printed on yellow parchment stock with black ink printing is comparatively in a better shape.

This 10 Kopeck denominated rare seal skin Russian-American Company was sold at USD 44,062.

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