PMG-certified Notes from Southeast Asia Showcased in Spink Auction

Posted on 10/2/2024

Several lots featuring British colonial notes are expected to realize tens of thousands of dollars in the October sale.

Rarities from Southeast Asia are among more than 300 world notes certified by Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) that are being offered in an upcoming Spink auction. Online bidding is already underway for the World Banknotes auction, which is being held on October 8, 2024.

Among the highlights of the auction is a Malaya ND (1942) 10,000 Dollars Color Trial Specimen graded PMG 50 About Uncirculated (lot 329), with an estimate of £50,000 to £80,000 (about $66,000 to $106,000). In 1938, under the guidance of Commissioner of Currency Sir Basil Blackett, Malaya attempted to consolidate currency issuance under a single entity, though its efforts were soon interrupted by World War II. The 10,000 Dollar note represents the highest denomination at the time, though this catalog number is represented in the PMG Population Report only by five Specimens, seven Color Trial Specimens and three Progressive Proofs.

Click images to enlarge.

Another highlight of the sale is a group of seven Malaya & British Borneo 1953 Specimens (1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 Dollars) graded PMG 55 About Uncirculated EPQ to PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated (lot 330), with an estimate of £100,000 to £150,000 (about $132,500 to $199,000). This is a full Specimen set of every denomination of the Malaya & British Borneo 1953 issues. The notes were printed not long after the Board of Commissioners of Currency was established in 1952, leading to a unified currency for Brunei, the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore. Coveted by British and Southeast Asia collectors, these are some of the most sought-after rarities from Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.


Click image to enlarge.

Other PMG-certified banknotes in this auction include:

  • a Straits Settlements 1930-33 1,000 Dollars Specimen graded PMG 50 About Uncirculated (lot 448), with an estimate of £45,000 to £65,000 (about $59,600 to $86,100)
  • a Malaya 1942; ND (1945) 1,000 Dollars Color Trial Specimen graded PMG 61 Uncirculated NET (lot 328), with an estimate of £30,000 to £50,000 (about $39,700 to $66,200)
  • a group of Straits Settlements 1931-34 Specimens (1, 5 and 10 Dollars) graded PMG 40 Extremely Fine to PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated (lot 450), with an estimate of £12,000 to £18,000 (about $15,900 to $23,800)
  • a Malaya / British Administration 1940 1 Dollar graded PMG 50 About Uncirculated (lot 326), with an estimate of £12,000 to £18,000 (about $15,900 to $23,800)
  • an Egypt, National Bank 1899 50 Piastres graded PMG 20 Very Fine (lot 91), with an estimate of £10,000 to £15,000 (about $13,200 to $19,900)
  • an Egypt, National Bank 1899 1 Pound graded PMG 20 Very Fine (lot 92), with an estimate of £10,000 to £15,000 (about $13,200 to $19,900)
  • a Commonwealth of Australia ND (1923) 1,000 Pounds graded PMG 50 About Uncirculated (lot 9), with an estimate of £10,000 to £15,000 (about $13,200 to $19,900)
  • an India ND (1867-1901) 20 Rupees Progressive Proof graded PMG 63 Choice Uncirculated (lot 243), with an estimate of £9,000 to £14,000 (about $11,900 to $18,500)

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


Stay Informed

Want news like this delivered to your inbox once a month? Subscribe to the free PMG eNewsletter today!

Thanks!

You've been subscribed to the PMG eNewsletter.

Unable to subscribe to our eNewsletter. Please try again later.

Articles List