World Paper Money Signature Auction

World notes are something I enjoy diving into equally as much as US bank notes. There were some very enjoyable offerings in the FUN auction offering this year. Some really great prices were achieved in a diversity of countries. There was some competitive bidding to be sure. The following five lots grabbed my interest when I looked at the offering.

The first, Lot 28459, was a Russian-American Company ND (1816-1867) 25 Rubles estimated at $80,000- up which realized $192,000. It is graded by PMG an About Uncirculated 55. The Alaskan parchment scrip has on its back the second variant of the Imperial Coat of Arms with six regional coats of arms in the emblem.

There were many notes from Spain offered and the two that captured my interest were Lot 29033 and 29072. They are very close in date but very different in presentation. Lot 29072, a Spain Banco de Espana 500 Pesetas dated 1.4.1880 note graded by PMG Very Fine 25 was estimated at $24,000 – up and realized $38,400. This note bears the portrait of painter Claudio Coello at left. The face colors are chestnut and ochre on white paper. The watermark is the denomination.

Lot 29033, also issued by Banco de Espana, was a 1000 Pesetas 1.7.1876 graded PMG Choice Fine 15. Estimated at $18,000 – up the note sold for $24,000. Thought to have been issued in 1883 at earliest, the note printed by ABNC depicts Lope de Vega at left, a Spaniard with Indian maiden at center and Liberty at lower right. The back vignettes are of allegorical women at left and right with two allegorical women at center. The face is black on multicolor and the back is brown.

Moving geographically to Egypt next, I was interested in Lot 28210. A National Bank of Egypt 50 Piastres note dated 16.9.1915 graded by PMG About Uncirculated 55. Estimated at $4,000 – up the note realized $12,000 at auction. The condition of the note, along with its eye appeal, are without doubt driving factors. The note front has the Spinx at left and the back includes the denomination and the printer, Bradbury, Wilkinson & Company, London is at bottom.

The final item I followed, Lot 28315 was an Iran Kingdom of Persia, Imperial Bank ND (1890-1923) 2 Tomans note. Graded PMG About Uncirculated 53 Net, the high-grade note estimated at $2,500 – up sold for $6,600. The note has a portrait of Nasr-ed-Din at right and a lion at left. The back has a lion at center.

There have been some really great notes coming to auction over the past year. For me, it is always fun to look at both the notes of value along with the unique and hard-to-find notes within their respective geographies. I am looking forward to seeing what is offered in the World Paper Money Fair Auction in April.

To review more from this auction please visit ha.com. All images courtesy of Heritage Auctions.