On 15th until 17th April 2014, Spink London will hold an auction of World Banknotes comprised of over 2,200 lots from a vast array of countries, the biggest sale of its kind Spink has held. The auction will offer issued notes, colour trials, composite essays, die proofs and specimens notes of many countries.
The sale will be spilt into two catalogues; the first two days devoted to World Banknotes and the final day featuring British Banknotes.
The huge sale also showcases many unique, unknown and unrecorded items; for example lot 420, a specimen proof of £10 from The National Bank of Egypt.
This specimen was designed and prepared for issue in 26 May 1952 for King Farouk but due to the revolution and consequent abdication on 23 July 1952, it was never released. Printed in purple and scarlet upon a multi-coloured under print, it features portrait of King Farouk at right, value in Arabic numerals in guilloches in three corners, reverse red on pale brown, orange and olive-green underprint, the ruins at Karnak, sphinx at left and right, one punch hole. This amazing find is thought to be unique, estimated £15,000 - 20,000.
Other highlights of the auction include lot 321, a 500 Florins, dated 1920, from The East African Currency Board. This archival specimen is printed in dark blue and mauve brown upon a multicolour under print. This note is the highest denomination of its iconic series and is in superb condition. It is probably the only example of its type in existence and is estimated to realise between £12,000 - £16,000.
Another incredible rarity is lot 669, a 10 Rupees issued by The Government of India, dated June 8 1863. This is one of the first series of notes put into circulation by the Government of India after the Paper Money Act of 1861. The black and white note has been printed with a charming portrait of Queen Victoria with a wreath of Oak and Bay. This series represents the only uniface notes in the world to feature a portrait of Queen Victoria. It would make a superb addition to any collection, and at an estimate of £30,000 - £35,000, it is the most valuable item in the whole auction.
Spink also included Malaysia 1 Ringgit Specimen in lot 1104. The banknote signed by Tan Sri Dato' Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Bank Negara Malaysia 7th governor. The zero serial numbers, pale blue and multicoloured banknote have a red CONTOH overprint estimate between £150 - £200.
The third sale will focus upon banknotes from Britain.
A noteworthy item in this session is lot 1876, 10 shillings with an extremely low serial number A01 000005. Printed in red, it features a portrait of Elizabeth II at the right and Britannia at the centre left and reverse centre. The note comes complete with a leather presentation case embossed with a gold Britannia. This very rare item is estimated to realise £2,000 - £2,500.
