Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #342
Napoleon Letter Signed - Estimating Stock Values of the Bank of France

Financing the French Empire

This lot has closed

Estimate: $8000+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

Financing the French Empire

Important LS in French, signed “Nap.,” one page, 7.25 x 9, July 16, 1810. Letter to Minister of the Public Treasury Nicolas Francois, Count Mollien, written amidst the Peninsular War. In part (translated): "I estimate that Bank shares have the following values: primitive funds, 1000 francs, reserve 220 fr. which makes 1220 francs, the right on the establishment belonging to the Bank I estimate at three million, 33 f = the intrinsic value is thus 1253 fr. on July 1. That being the case, on July 15, we must add 3 fr. to the active part of the dividend, which makes 1256, we must add 3 f. on July 30, which brings the share to 1259 f. In this state of things, I want you to activate, in the easiest way possible, 4000 shares, but without surpassing their real value, that is, 1252 francs for intrinsic value, and 6 francs per month after July 1, for interest. While the price is less than 1252 f. plus interest, you will be able to conduct your operations at the service desk. I see that on July 14, they were at 1252 f., their intrinsic value thus being judged at 1255 francs." Napoleon makes one handwritten correction to the text, changing the month "January" to "July." In fine condition. A desirable letter illustrating Bonaparte's impressive grasp of economics—a necessity for financing his empire-building.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
  • Dates: #689 - Ended April 17, 2024





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $200.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.