REVIEW: WORLD BANKNOTES: 27-28 NOVEMBER

A very strong performance by notes from Saudi Arabia and Southern Rhodesia were the hallmarks of this sale, which was topped by one of those rare anomalous purchases – a lot that soared well over market expectations thanks to the determination of two bidders.

This was a Banque de la République du Mali, 5,000 Francs, dated 22 September 1960. Wonderfully original about uncirculated, and a superb high denomination note, it had been estimated at £600-800 but sold for a huge £30,000 – a price that Noonans do not expect to repeat for such a note in current market conditions.

 

More informative for collectors were the prices achieved for other highlights. These included a magnificent Bradbury Wilkinson presentation book for the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency. It featured two essays showing proposed designs for 100 Riyals, ND (c.1984), both with serial number A/123456.

Both entirely hand painted and drawn in pencil, black on blue, with King Fahd at right, the first essay had an intricate and detailed pattern, while the second essay displayed a geometric pattern.

"This was a real treasure for the Saudi Arabia Monetary Authority series, certainly the highest level of artwork and design Bradbury Wilkinson were capable of producing, and a very important record," said Noonans' Head of Banknotes, Andrew Pattison.

Estimate at £6,000-8,000, it took £26,000.

Another Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency piece also did well. This was a printers' archival obverse and reverse essay on board for 100 Riyals, ND (1976). With serial number 01/000000, it was partially hand painted in the design as issued, with the obverse depicting the Holy Mosque in Mecca at centre, and King Abdul Aziz ibn Sa’ud at right. The reverse showed al-Massa wall of the Holy Mosque. With a guide of £5,000-8,000, it sold for £17,000.

Outstanding among the Southern Rhodesian notes was 10 March 1954, £10 note, issued with the serial number E/3 011063, and Pechey and Grafftey-Smith signatures. In very fine condition and the second highest PMG graded example of this exceptional rarity, it is thought that only six to eight examples remain extant globally. It sold for £11,000.