Rockland County Bank NY $10 1860 - Steamboat Armenia
Reference Description
Nyack, NY - Rockland County Bank $10 Raised from $2 Aug. 1, 1860 NY-2045 R5 SENC. PCGS Fine 12 Apparent.
Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society
Realized $1,175.00
Newman VII (Heritage Auctions, 10/2015), Lot 19827
The banknote in question is a unique raised note example, likely based on an extremely rare and SENC $2 host note. Engraved and printed originally by the American Bank Note Company, the note features a significant top central vignette of the Hudson River steamboat Armenia, titled at the side. The left end shows the Bank die with raised "10" counters in the corners, and at the lower right, there is a female portrait with a raised "10" die above. The green protector on the note is somewhat crude and lacks the white outlined denomination. The custom vignette is particularly notable, as it evokes the tragic crash of the steamboat Henry Clay in August 1852.
The steamboat Armenia was involved in a dangerous race with the Henry Clay in July 1852, starting from Albany and traveling southward. Both steamboats engaged in erratic and perilous actions, such as not picking up passengers. Furniture was destroyed for fuel, and passengers became increasingly frightened. Captain Elmendorf of the Henry Clay cut into the path of the slowing Armenia, shattering its bow and plowing into the shore, up the railroad embankment in northern Manhattan. Passengers in the forward deck were thrown ashore, while others never had a chance to escape the fires and the boat's sinking. Heavy clothes and lack of swimming prowess resulted in the death of 80 people, including the sister of renowned author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Armenia picked up survivors from the scene, as it witnessed the disaster. In the aftermath, the courts cleared the owners of the Henry Clay of manslaughter charges.
Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society
Realized $1,175.00
Newman VII (Heritage Auctions, 10/2015), Lot 19827
The banknote in question is a unique raised note example, likely based on an extremely rare and SENC $2 host note. Engraved and printed originally by the American Bank Note Company, the note features a significant top central vignette of the Hudson River steamboat Armenia, titled at the side. The left end shows the Bank die with raised "10" counters in the corners, and at the lower right, there is a female portrait with a raised "10" die above. The green protector on the note is somewhat crude and lacks the white outlined denomination. The custom vignette is particularly notable, as it evokes the tragic crash of the steamboat Henry Clay in August 1852.
The steamboat Armenia was involved in a dangerous race with the Henry Clay in July 1852, starting from Albany and traveling southward. Both steamboats engaged in erratic and perilous actions, such as not picking up passengers. Furniture was destroyed for fuel, and passengers became increasingly frightened. Captain Elmendorf of the Henry Clay cut into the path of the slowing Armenia, shattering its bow and plowing into the shore, up the railroad embankment in northern Manhattan. Passengers in the forward deck were thrown ashore, while others never had a chance to escape the fires and the boat's sinking. Heavy clothes and lack of swimming prowess resulted in the death of 80 people, including the sister of renowned author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The Armenia picked up survivors from the scene, as it witnessed the disaster. In the aftermath, the courts cleared the owners of the Henry Clay of manslaughter charges.
Notes
The Steamboat Armenia was a steam-powered riverboat built in the mid-19th century. Steamboats were a significant technological innovation during this time, as they facilitated travel and transportation along the United States' rivers and waterways. Steamboats like the Armenia played a crucial role in the expansion of trade, economic growth, and settlement in the country.
The Armenia was likely named after the historical region and modern-day country of Armenia, as it was common for steamboats to be named after places or famous people. The boat was likely used for the transportation of passengers, cargo, and mail along rivers and waterways in the United States.
The depiction of the steamboat could simply be a representation of the era's technological advancements or the vessel's importance to regional commerce.
The Armenia was likely named after the historical region and modern-day country of Armenia, as it was common for steamboats to be named after places or famous people. The boat was likely used for the transportation of passengers, cargo, and mail along rivers and waterways in the United States.
The depiction of the steamboat could simply be a representation of the era's technological advancements or the vessel's importance to regional commerce.
Files
Collection
Citation
“Rockland County Bank NY $10 1860 - Steamboat Armenia,” Armenian Numismatic Research Organization, accessed December 27, 2024, https://armnumres.org/index.php/items/show/1217.