The Godfrey Burr Collection

Hibernian Bank, Twenty Pounds 'Token', uniface proof on paper, Hibernia seated at left, three women seated at right. Remnants of light card mounting on back and paper lightly toned, otherwise good very fine, rare (£600-800)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Godfrey Burr Collection.

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Illustrated on the front cover; engraved by Perkins & Heath. The Hibernian Bank opened for business in 1825 and tried unsuccessfully to challenge the monopoly on banknote issue held by the Bank of Ireland within a 50 mile radius of Dublin. The bank prepared an issue of notes without any promise to pay, instead inserting the word ‘Token’, but after objections from the Bank of Ireland this issue was declared illegal and withdrawn. Twenty Pounds is the highest denomination recorded