Spring Paper Money Auction at Spink Smythe Sees Strong Demand for World Banknotes

Manhattan, New York - March 28, 2008 - SpinkPerhaps lightly book-pressed, but much originality
Smythe's March 20th (auction #278), spring paperevident. Quite attractive and rare in this high grade.
money auction was well received by collectors ofChoice AU.
world banknotes, with heated bidding on higher qualityLot #273 - Presale estimate $3,000-$4,000. Realized -
lots. As has become the trend at Spink Smythe during$5,000
recent numismatic auctions, quality lots have onceLarge World Collection. Mostly circulated notes, some
again inspired bidders. This was typified by franticduplicates. Neatly organized alphabetically in glassine
bidding on several lots where the final bid wellenvelopes with catalog numbers and old evaluations.
exceeded their pre-auction estimates. One of theLot #282 - Presale estimate $3,000-$4,000. Realized -
more interesting lots offered was a 1932 Bank of$4,250
Ethiopia, 500 Thaler, uncirculated note (see photo)$1. Fr.18. 1869. No.B6747114. Gem Uncirculated. Brilliantly
which was described by Spink Smythe's cataloger ascolored Rainbow with less than perfect centering on
"Very rare in this perfect original condition. Finest thisthe back. Nonetheless graded CGA 66.
cataloger has seen and there can be none better."Although World banknotes saw a great deal of action
The pre-auction estimate on this note was $2500 toat the spring sale, several notes of U.S. origin also
$3000. The final bid came in at $4000. The acquisitionpeaked the interest of collectors and saw strong
of quality world paper currency was not restricted tobidding. Two noteworthy lots were:
this one note. Other lots that saw strong interestLot #698 - Presale estimate $1,500-$3,000. Realized -
included:$4,500
Lot #32 - Presale estimate $1,500-$2,000. Realized -AL. State of Alabama. 37 1/2 cents. 1st of June, 1822.
$2,300(Cr. C66). Extremely Rare. Plate B. Uniface.
Bermuda Government. 1.5.1957. 5, 10 Shillings; 1, 5Unnumbered and unsigned. Steamship. "ALABAMA". In
Pounds. P-18b, 19b, 20b, 20c, 21b, 21c. Complete set ofornate panel across left end. "TREASURY". In ornate
the 1957 QEII issue. The 5 Pound note with securitypanel across right end. Inscription: /The bearer is
strip is perforated "CANCELLED" across the front. Allentitledto/ RECEIVE AT THE TREASURY OF THE
notes are fully original. Uncirculated, Uncirculated, ChoiceSTATE OF ALABAMA, /Thirty seven and a half
AU, Uncirculated, Choice AU, Uncirculated.Cents./ /Receivable also in taxes and all other publick
Lot #43 - Presale estimate $1,400-$1,650. Realized -dues. Issued conformably to the act of Dec/. 19, 1821.
$2,200R-11.
British Caribbean Territories. 2.1.1957; 2.1.1961. 1 Dollar.Lot #805 - Presale estimate $2,000-$3,000. Realized -
P-7b, 7e. Uncirculated. 3) 2.1.1964. 2 Dollars. P-8c.$3,500
Uncirculated. 4) 2.1.1962. 5 Dollars. P-9c. Uncirculated. 5)Unusual denomination. RI. /Wakefield, South Kingstown.
2.1.1962. 20 Dollars. P-11b. Lightly pressed VFBank of the South County. $15. 18_. Proof on India
Lot #114 - Presale estimate $3,000-$3,500. Realized -paper mounted on card. Central allegorical trio with
$4,750fasces, wheat, caduceus and U.S. Shield. Left sailor
Government of Fiji. 1940 Provisional Issue. 1 Pound.and Prosperity with Flag, cornucopia, anchor.
P-45a, c. Two different overprint varieties.Washington on horseback. Toppan, Carpenter,
Problem-free. F-VF. 3) 5 Pounds. P-46b. No holes,Casilear. Choice Uncirculated.
tears or other problems. Paper has good body for"Collectors have once again made it clear that they
formal grade. Much rarer than the 1 Pound overprints.are looking for quality lots." said Mary Herzog, Vice
Fine.President of Spink Smythe." Spink Smythe is in the
Lot #193 - Presale estimate $2,000-$2,500. Realized -unique position to bring it to them because consignors
$2,500trust us with their quality merchandise. When you bring
Government of Mauritius. 1954. 25 Rupees. P-29.fervent collectors together with quality merchandise,
Green QEII type and realistically the highest collectablethe result is the success we saw in our Spring auction."
denomination in the 1954 series. This one has a faintRealized prices listed, unless otherwise noted, do not
centerfold and small couple of spots on the back.include the 15% buyers premium.