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[ALEXANDER HAMILTON]. Partly-printed share in the Estate of Alexander Hamilton. 6 ¾” x 6"". New York. November 29th, 1804. “Certificate to Rufus King for a share in the Trust intended in a certain writing of this date, relative to the Estate of ALEXANDER HAMILTON, deceased; and this Certificate to be assignable, and to be receivable on Sales of the Estate by the Trustees, as a payment of Two Hundred Dollars; the Dividends, however, if any, which may have been paid on the Share, being first deducted.”

Longtime political rivals Hamilton and Aaron Burr fought a duel on July 11, 1804. Hamilton was struck and died the following day. When Hamilton died he had a large amount of debt with assets primarily in land which was very illiquid and, under the circumstances of a forced sale, not nearly enough to satisfy his creditors. With Hamilton’s family facing dire financial consequences, a group of well-known New Yorkers formed a Trust in order to provide for the family and to satisfy Hamilton’s creditors. The proposed amount to be raised was $100,000 dollars. The trustees of Hamilton’s Estate who have all signed the certificate are:

GOUVERNOR MORRIS (1752 – 1816). Statesman, diplomat; EGBERT BENSON (1746 – 1833). Revolutionary leader, delegate to the Congress of the Confederation; RUFUS KING (1755 – 1827). Federalist statesman; OLIVER WOLCOTT, JR. (1760 – 1833). Secretary of the treasury; and CHARLES WILKES. An extraordinary early American certificate evidencing the aftermath of the duel which killed the man whom many have referred to as “The Greatest American”. Signed by five prominent Americans of the day. Excellent.

$4,500.00