1862 City Savings Association of Mobile 10 Cents Certificate of Deposit (unauthenticated)

This is a historical paper certificate of deposit issued by the City Savings Association of Mobile, Alabama, dated June 10th, 1862. The item is printed on off-white or cream-colored paper with dark ink, featuring intricate decorative borders on the left and right edges, including vertical text reading 'SECURED BY DEPOSIT OF CONFEDERATE NOTES.' and 'CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT.' The primary text reads 'CITY SAVINGS ASSOCIATION OF MOBILE' with '(INCORPORATED BY THE STATE OF ALABAMA)' underneath. It states that the association will return to W.H.H. Minge or bearer '10 CENTS' out of Confederate Notes deposited by him when these Certificates are returned in sums of Twenty Dollars. The piece includes prominent printed numbers, a large '10' in the lower center, and two legible handwritten signatures at the bottom: one labeled 'Treasurer.' and the other labeled 'President.' Additionally, there is contemporary blue ink handwriting near the top right mentioning '1st Series' and pricing notes. The paper shows significant condition issues consistent with age and handling, including heavy edge chipping, tears, creases, surface soiling, and rounding of the corners. The identification rests on the clearly legible printed text and layout across the face of the document. The item has not been authenticated and its current physical grade is unverified.

Based on the provided image, I am evaluating what appears to be an 1862 City Savings Association of Mobile 10 Cents Certificate of Deposit. The visual evidence shows a piece with significant condition issues, including heavy edge chipping, tears, prominent creases, and surface soiling. Because I am examining this item via a photograph, I cannot physically inspect the paper texture, ink, or printing methods, so I must treat the attribution as a working hypothesis. Obsolete fractional currency from the Civil War era carries historical interest, but market value is heavily dictated by physical condition. Assuming this is a period-printed document, the severe wear places it in a very low grade, significantly limiting its market appeal to budget-conscious collectors of Alabama scrip or Civil War memorabilia. Comparable items of this type in similar condition typically sell in the $10 to $30 range. Physical examination by a specialist in obsolete paper money would be required to evaluate its origin and properly assess the paper. If in-person inspection suggests this is a later reproduction or facsimile, which are common in historical currency collecting, its value would be negligible, likely under $5 as a novelty item.