1880s Single Red-Serials $5 State of Louisiana Bond, Crisp Unused

By the end of the Civil War, the federal government imposed a hefty tax on state bank notes. The state of Louisiana was able to cleverly avoid paying the tax by issuing bank notes disguised as bonds with interest-bearing coupons, like these $5 "Baby Bonds" - nicknamed because of the picture of the baby engraved on the face. The public knew they were worth the same as federally approved currency, so they were used throughout Louisiana like regular bank notes. This genuine $5 Baby Bond bears its own unique serial number and the facsimile signature of Louisiana's state treasurer, Ed Bunker. It will make a most attractive and unusual addition to your collection.