The demand for East Asian banknotes has been on the rise, as shown in Heritage Auctions’ HKINF World Paper Money Signature Auction in June, which brought more than $2.5 million.
“East Asian currency has led the incredible growth in World Banknotes at Heritage,” Heritage Auctions Vice President Dustin Johnston said. “The currency selection in this sale is among our finest offerings for this venue. Even so, there is far more collector demand than available material. Bidders will likely see more competition than our auction in June, and should have a plan of action.”
From the Luminous Slamstone Collection comes a Malaya and British Borneo Board of Commissioners of Currency 1000 Dollars 21.3.1953 Pick 6a B106 KNB6a PMG Extremely Fine 40 (estimate: $50,000+). Malaya, Sarawak, British North Borneo, Brunei and the Straits Settlements were returned to British control, and after King George VI died in 1952, a new currency system was created that encompassed all British Colonies in what is present day Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. This $1,000 note is the highest denomination that could have been obtained and used by the public; the $10,000 was exclusively used between banks to settle accounts. At the time of circulation, this denomination could be exchanged for roughly 100 British Pounds, making it one of the highest-denomination circulating notes at that time. Extant notes in issued form are very rare, as most are held in institutional or other famous collections.
Also offered is a Hong Kong Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China 100 Dollars 2.12.1929 Pick 52cts Color Trial Specimen PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ (estimate: $50,000+). Starting in 1911, Waterlow & Sons printed banknotes for the Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China and the subsequent Chartered Bank for the better part of five decades, but this extraordinary and important design is missing from many collections. Because of its high denomination, counterfeiters tried to replicate it almost immediately. This design only features two dates, 1929 and 1930, but due to the numerous forgeries with weak watermarks in existence, a completely new design, atop completely watermarked paper, was issued in 1934. Considered an iconic design, this type is very rare in any format.
The finest-graded example in the PMG Population Report of the China People’s Bank of China 200 Yuan 1949 Pick 837a2 S/M#C282-51 PMG Superb Gem Unc 67 EPQ (estimate: $25,000+) is from one of six 200 Yuan notes prepared for issue throughout China. The offered note is the first example graded Superb Gem Uncirculated, and as such, the first and best available.
Also from the Luminous Slamstone Collection, a Straits Settlements Government of the Straits Settlements 1 Dollar 1.9.1906 Pick 1a KNB1 PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ (estimate: $10,000+) is from the first series of Government notes, which were dated 1898, but the $1 denomination was not created until eight years later, in 1906. This example, also from the Luminous Slamstone Collection, is in exceptional condition, far better than that often encountered for notes of this age. When it was cataloged, this note was tied for the second-finest grade in the PMG Population Report.
As always, Heritage Auctions is fully confident that the audience of interested bidders will appreciate the breadth, scale, and quality of the offerings herein. Holding in tandem with the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair, we present on of the top occasions for collector, investors, and enthusiasts alike to see some of the best pieces the market has to offer. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to share a story, discuss a lot, or better target that key issue that will complete your collection. To know more information, please email to hk@ha.com, or simply call +852 2155 1698.