OOST-VLAANDEREN. GEND. Lotenlening - Kans-billet van 300 Guldens. black. No 1473/3. In 1818 King Willem I decreed the issue of a lottery scheme to reduce the debt of the city of Gent. Tickets were issued, against payment of an amount of money. Tickets were entered in a draw; winning tickets were paid, not in cash, but by the sum of 300 guldens being put to the holder's credit in the city loan register. The earliest 'bond' known from the city of Gent, from a time that the Netherlands and Belgium were still one nation. Trimmed borders but otherwise in truly excellent condition.