This is a small item, only about .75" x 2.5". But that does not stand in the way of its immense historic significance and future collectible value (after all, there are postage stamps even smaller worth millions!).  

This is a genuine original interest coupon from world's ONLY KNOWN $500 Specimen Bond engraved by the American Bank Note Co. for International Mercantile Marine, owner of the TITANIC. 

The coupon had a redemption value of $15 payable in U.S. Gold Coin every 6 months starting in 1917 (date may differ from scan). It is overprinted "Specimen" with red serial number 00000 and an ornate orange guilloche on back. Each coupon is individually numbered from 1 to 20 (dated 1926) which represents the entire supply available to a world of 8 billion people. 

Would be an amazing bookmark if laminated but its long-term appreciation value would be best preserved without lamination.  We hope our description has made the "incomprehensible" rarity of this item easily comprehensible.  If you're a Titanic buff, please also see our I.M.M./Titanic stock certificates with a HUGE ship vignette listed in our Amazon store. Thanks for visiting Historic Treasures!