The Frank Goon Reference Collection of British Malayan Banknotes

Government of the Straits Settlements, a printer’s test proof for $5, 17 March 1911, no serial numbers, black on cream paper, arms at top centre, value in mauve underprint at centre, signatures of Brockman, Michell and David, reverse blank, annotations on reverse, in PMG holder 63, choice uncirculated, extremely unusual and rare if not unique
TBB B106bpm, Pick 3pm, KNB 5 for similar S$5,000-S$7,000

This item has been graded by PMG and has been awarded grade 63, choice uncirculated.

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This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Frank Goon Reference Collection of British Malayan Banknotes.

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PMG incorrectly describes this as a printer’s model when it is in fact a test piece, with the right half having been removed, tested, usually for durability of paper or ink, maybe with chemicals, damp or sunlight, and reattached. Bradbury Wilkinson performed many tests of this kind in the early 20th century, particularly on notes destined for issue in climates where paper was likely to suffer, such as British Malaya. In this case, the right side of the note is slightly faded and shrunken, but still legible and strong, meaning it was likely deemed acceptable for use.