1826 Cuba Royal Lottery Ticket – Real Lotería de la Siempre Fiel Isla de Cuba – Sorteo 127 – No. 3323

An original 1826 Cuban colonial lottery ticket issued by the Real Lotería de la Siempre Fiel Isla de Cuba during the period of Spanish rule.

This surviving ticket is an “Octavo de billete” — one-eighth share of a complete lottery ticket — for drawing No. 127, scheduled to take place on July 28, 1826. It carries ticket number 3323 and states a value of four reales.

The face is printed in black on period paper and features the Spanish royal arms at the top, decorative border, official stamps, handwritten markings and a prominent “PAGADO” (Paid) cancellation. The reverse contains substantial original period handwriting, including what appears to be a notation referring to the payment of a prize. These manuscript additions are particularly appealing because they demonstrate that the ticket was actually handled and used rather than remaining an unused piece of printed ephemera.

The Real Lotería de la Siempre Fiel Isla de Cuba was established during the Spanish colonial period. Historical accounts place its first Havana drawing in 1812, meaning this ticket dates from only about fourteen years after the lottery began. Contemporary and later Cuban records confirm continued use of the Real Lotería de la Siempre Fiel Isla de Cuba name for the colonial lottery.

Condition

This ticket survives in heavily circulated, historically used condition, with substantial age toning, staining and soiling throughout. Numerous folds and creases are visible, along with edge wear, small edge losses and irregularities. There are scattered small holes/punctures and areas of ink staining.

The face retains strong portions of the original printing, including REAL LOTERIA, DE LA SIEMPRE FIEL ISLA DE CUBA, ticket number 3323, the drawing information and the four-reales denomination. Several stamps, cancellations and handwritten notations overlap portions of the printed design.

The reverse exhibits extensive period manuscript writing in dark ink, together with a large stain/seal area and additional age toning. The handwriting is part of the historical use of the piece and has been left exactly as found.

Despite more than 200 years of age and considerable circulation, the ticket remains substantially intact and readily identifiable. No restoration or conservation is apparent from the photographs. Buyers should examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.