Final answer:
The market rate was higher than the coupon rate, resulting in a discount on the bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement is A) The market rate was higher than the coupon rate, resulting in a discount on the bonds.
When the market rate is higher than the coupon rate, it means that investors require a higher return on their investment. As a result, the bond will sell for less than its par value. In this case, Adonis Corporation received $300,836 in cash proceeds, which is more than the par value of $280,000. This indicates that the bonds were issued at a discount.