1911 Tramways of Koursk (Kursk) Russia bond certificate - trolley tram

Koursk, also spelled Kursk, is a city and the administrative center of Kursk Oblast, Russia. It is located in west-central Russia at the confluence of the Kur, Tuskar and Seym Rivers. Its population is about 500,000. The earliest settlements in this area date to the 4th century BC. The surrounding area is a major agricultural region, but Kursk also is heavily industrialized with chemical and metals processing companies. The area around Kursk was the site of a turning point in the Soviet–German struggle during World War II and the site of the largest tank battle in history. A Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile  submarine K-141, named the "Kursk", made international headlines when it sank in the Barents Sea in 2000, killing all aboard.

A tramway, or trolley system, was built to serve Kursk in the late 1890s. Like most systems built in Russia and the surrounding countries, it was financed by private capital from Western European nations. The system was largely destroyed during World War II but has since been rebuilt.

For auction is a bond sold to finance the Kursk Tramway. It is for 100 Belgian or French Francs and is dated January 7, 1911. The total bond offering was 3.5 million Francs. Language on the bond is in both French and Russian, and it was issued in Belgium. It is very unique in that renderings of scenes in Kursk are at the bottom. Attached to the bond are 13 bond payment coupons, dated from 1915-1927. When the Communist revolution occurred, the bond became worthless as an investment and interest was no longer paid. The back of the bond contains an extract (in French and Russian) of the terms of the bond; glued over this is a processing or servicing ticket. The bond is too large to show in one image; the first two images are of the front side, and the last two images are of the back side.

This bond measures appx 16x11 inches. It is printed on a heavy paperstock. It is in good condition, even considering it is over 100 years old. All writing/markings are from its issuance and processing. There are no rips or tears. It shows minor soiling, and two sides are slightly rough.

A fantastic item for either the foreign railroad collector or Russian history buff.