PMG-certified Straits Settlements Banknotes Highlight Noonans Auction

Rare paper money from Asia is among a fascinating array of 250 world banknotes certified by Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) that are available in an upcoming sale. Bidding is underway for the Noonans World Banknotes Auction, which will be held on August 31, 2023.

One of the most interesting notes offered in the auction is a Straits Settlements / British Administration 1894 5 Dollars - Singapore graded PMG F 12 (lot 664) with an estimate of £20,000 to £26,000 (about $25,000 to $33,000). The Straits Settlements, under British administration from the 19th to the mid-20th century, utilized a distinct currency system that reflected the colonial influence and economic dynamics of the Southeast Asian region. This note’s issuer, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, founded in the British colony of Hong Kong in 1865, began operating in Singapore in 1877 and is one of the world’s top banks today. This is the sole example of this note in the PMG Population Report.

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Other PMG-certified banknotes in this auction include:

• a Straits Settlements, Asiatic Banking Corp. ND (ca. 1860s) 25 Dollars - Singapore graded PMG 20 Very Fine (lot 665) with an estimate of £20,000 to £26,000 (about $25,000 to $33,000)
• a Sarawak 1929 25 Dollars “Specimen” graded PMG 45 Choice Extremely Fine (lot 611) with an estimate of £16,000 to £20,000 (about $20,000 to $25,000)
• an India 1871-1901 5 Rupees “Printer’s Design” graded PMG 50 About Uncirculated (lot 283) with an estimate of £12,000 to £16,000 (about $15,000 to $20,000)
• an India / British Administration 1871-1901 5 Rupees Proof graded PMG 45 Choice Extremely Fine (lot 288) with an estimate of £10,000 to £15,000 (about $13,000 to $19,000)
• an Egypt, National Bank 1899 50 Piastres graded PMG 20 Very Fine (lot 195) with an estimate of £10,000 to £15,000 (about $13,000 to $19,000)
• an Egypt, National Bank 1899 £1 graded PMG 15 Choice Fine NET (lot 196) with an estimate of £8,000 to £12,000 (about $10,000 to $15,000)
• an India / British Administration 1871-1901 5 Rupees Proof graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated (lot 289) with an estimate of £8,000 to £10,000 (about $10,000 to $13,000)

Estimates are provided by the auction house. The $ symbol indicates US Dollars.