German New Guinea Australian Occupation WW1 5; 10; 20; 50 Marks 1914 Pick 1b; 2b; 3b; 4b.
German New Guinea was claimed by Germany in 1884 and administered by the German New Guinea Company until 1899 when the German Imperial Government assumed control. At the outbreak of World War 1, Australia quickly occupied the territory and issued Treasury Notes in October, 1914. Most, like all of these notes, were cancelled on or about January 1, 1915. Australia maintained military control until 1921 when the territory became an Australian mandate of the League of Nations. All of these notes are excessively rare, and represent the entire series except for the 100 Marks note. All are unpriced and simply listed as Rare in the SCWPM.
The notes grade as follows: 5 Marks PMG Choice Extremely Fine 45 with pinholes; 10 Marks PMG About Uncirculated 53 with pinholes and a small margin tear; 20 Marks PMG Choice Very Fine 35 with pinholes and small margin tear; 50 Marks PMG Choice Very Fine 35 with pinholes, a few small stains, and a small tear.
All four of these notes served as the plate notes in Die Deutschen Banknoten ab 1871 20th edition were auctioned at the 2018 January 4 – 8 FUN World Currency Signature Auction – Tampa. This set of greatness was sold at an unbelievable price at 168,000 dollars.
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