From the Grading Room

Zanzibar, The Zanzibar Government Pick# 1 1920 1 Rupee, PMG Very Good Net

One way to collect World currency is to obtain a single note from each country listed in the “Pick” catalog. Notes from Zanzibar are at or near the top of difficult notes to acquire for “Country Set” collectors. The government of this small island off the coast of Africa (part of modern-day Tanzania) only issued notes from 1908-20. Although I've seen two to three notes in auction catalogs over the years, this is the first one I've seen in person. The fact that this note is Net due to rust and bears the comment “Corner Tip Missing” does not take away from this being a fantastic note.

click image to enlarge

click image to enlarge

Spain, Banco De España Pick# 153a 1971 500 Pesetas, PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ

This is a fine example of an offset printing error. The plate used for printing the back of the note was accidentally used on the front of the note as well.

click image to enlarge

click image to enlarge

Lao, Bank Of The Lao Peoples Democratic Republic Pick# 30a 1979 100 Kip, PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.

Here is another interesting offset printing error. This note is offset from Back to Front, the opposite of our previous note.

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click image to enlarge

The popularity of World error notes is continuing to increase. A new book titled World Paper Money Errors, written by Morland C. Fischer, with the assistance of Neil & Joel Shafer, is a great resource that highlights many types of foreign error notes from numerous countries.