San Antonio Streetcar service began in 1878, a little over a year since the first railroad reached the city. The first cars were pulled by horses and mules through the dusty, muddy and ever expanding city. Streetcars were electrified in 1890 and peaked in 1926 with over 90 miles of track – proving a faster and more efficient method of transportation for downtown San Antonio and surrounding areas.
This $500 Gold Coupon Bond for the San Antonio Traction Company paid $12.50 in gold coins every six months and would mature in 41 years, earning 5% interest annually.
Investors who owned these bonds would make regular visits to their banks to cut out and redeem the coupons and collect their interest, so the wealthy citizens of this era became known as "Coupon Clippers."
