WORLD BANKNOTE AUCTIONS LIVE SALE 19

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V24 2021 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 24, Number 50, December 12, 2021, Article 18

And here is the press release for World Banknote Auctions Live Sale 19. -Editor

This week World Banknote Auctions launched Live Sale 19, which takes place in two parts on December 22 and 23, with live bidding starting both days at 10 AM PST. As usual, live bidding will take place on the website and on the mobile apps of World Banknote Auctions. Combined, the sale features a total of 722 lots from around the world.

The first part of Live Sale 19 on December 22 features the Kabul Collection of Afghanistan. This advanced collection of Afghanistan features notes from the very first issue to modern issues, and is virtually complete by design type. Highlights include high grade examples of scarce types, and a large number of specimens. This is truly one of the more advanced collections of Afghanistan to come to the market in recent years says Dennis Hengeveld, President of World Banknote Auctions. The collection was put together over several decades by an advanced collector from Europe, and while quality varies, the completeness of the collection is unprecedented.

The second part of Live Sale 19 on December 23rd features a varied selection from around the world, ranging from the 19th century to modern polymer issues in high grade. As always, Live Sale 19 features a low 15% buyer's premium ($5 minimum) and flat-rate shipping costs via Fedex: $10 within the United States and $25 to the rest of the world. Registration is free of charge and payment is possible via credit card, wire transfer, or check.

Lot 19061 is a PCGS Banknote graded Choice About Uncirculated 58 example of the 500 Afghanis of the 1939 (SH1318) issue, identified as Pick-27. A grand note in both size and denomination, this is one of the classic key notes for the country. It is problem-free with good eye-appeal, and carries a pre-auction estimate of $2,000-$2,500.

Lot 19087 is the highest denomination of the 1948 / SH1327 series, the 1000 Afghanis (Pick-36) graded Gem Uncirculated 65 PPQ by PCGS banknote. Representing a large amount of money at the time of issue, this has become a very difficult note to locate in Gem Uncirculated condition. It carries a pre-auction estimate of $1,250-$1,500.

Lot 19295 is the single finest PMG-graded example of the 10 Francs of the 1905 Danish West Indies series (Pick-18a). Graded Choice Very Fine 35 by PMG and one of just eleven issued examples in the PMG population report, the 10 Francs is a classic banknote from what is now the US Virgin Islands, appealing to both US and World collectors alike. The United States purchased the islands from Denmark in 1917 and most of these were quickly redeemed. This rarity features a pre-auction estimate of $6,500-$7,500.

Lot 19496 is a major signature rarity for the French Colonial specialist. This 5 Francs from Martinique (Pick-6A) graded About Uncirculated 55 by PMG features the Alizard-Bonneville signature combination and features a pedigree back to the Michael Becuwe collection, which was sold in 2007. This is the first signature combination for this type and it is extremely rare, featuring a pre-auction estimate of $2,000-$2,500.

Lot 19567 is an extremely rare specimen of a 1924 2 1/2 Rupias from Portuguese India, Pick-24s, graded Uncirculated 62 by PMG (Previously Mounted). An extremely difficult type to find in both issued and specimen form, there have been no appearances at public auction of this type since at least 2016. It features an impressive vignette of a tiger on the front and is one of the classic notes from European Colonial India. This classic rarity carries a pre-auction estimate of $5,000-$6,000.

Lots 19631 – 19632 – 19633 are a very interesting and rare trio of notes from the Bank in St. Gallen in Switzerland. Dating back to the late 1830s, these were printed by the firm of Draper, Toppan, Longacre & Co., who had their offices in Philadelphia and New York. In appearance similar to many obsolete U.S. banknotes printed by the firm, these are extremely rare and seldom offered. The trio are all remainders, but according to a specialized Swiss catalog no issued examples are known. The trio each carry a pre-auction estimate of $1,000-$1,250.

Lot 19682 is the only specimen/proof of the famous 1930 commemorative issue from Uruguay we have been able to find a record of. This 1 Peso is graded About Uncirculated 55 by PMG (with a comment for stains) the grading service called this Pick-17s. While that is technically correct, there are some minor differences in the text on the front that truly make this an uncorrected proof or specimen. Possibly unique and highly unusual, this rarity carries a pre-auction estimate of $2,000-$2,500.