§17-3-8. Issuance of duplicate road bond when registered original is lost or destroyed.

Upon the filing with the State Treasurer of proof, which in his judgment and discretion is full and satisfactory, of the loss or destruction of any registered West Virginia state road bond issued by virtue of the laws of this state, and a corporate surety bond in an amount equal to the face value of the lost bond, conditioned to indemnify the State of West Virginia and all persons against any loss in consequence of the issuance of a duplicate bond, the treasurer and Auditor of the state shall be authorized to issue and deliver to the last registered holder of any such lost or destroyed bond, a duplicate thereof.

Each duplicate bond issued under the provisions of this section shall correspond with the original as to date, maturity, form and execution, except it may be given a number different from the original. It shall have printed or engraved on the face thereof the word "duplicate," and on its back a certificate executed by the treasurer in the following form: "The within duplicate bond is executed and issued under and by virtue of an act of the West Virginia Legislature passed on February 19, 1929, in lieu of road bond number ..... in the amount of $......., dated ........., 19 ..... , and maturing ........, 19 ......."

Any duplicate bond issued hereunder shall be taken and treated in all respects as the original, and the original shall be deemed cancelled.

The finder of any lost bond for which a duplicate has been issued shall forthwith transmit the same to the treasurer, who shall cancel it. Any person who shall retain possession of any such bond with knowledge that a duplicate has been issued therefor, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not exceeding $1,000 or confined in jail not exceeding one year.