PMG Certifies India 'Discovery Note' at Hong Kong, China Event

Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) certified a previously unknown British India banknote at a recent on-site grading event in Hong Kong, China.

The 1925 1,000 Rupees note was issued in Kurrachee, now spelled Karachi, a city that has been part of Pakistan since 1947. Previously, the only known issuing branches for 1925 1,000 Rupees notes were Bombay (now called Mumbai) and Calcutta (now spelled Kolkata).

This 1925 1,000 rupees note is a “discovery note” because it was issued in Kurrachee, now spelled Karachi. Previously, the only known issuing branches for this note were Bombay (now called Mumbai) and Calcutta (now spelled Kolkata). Click images to enlarge.

Now graded PMG 25 Very Fine, the note is considered a “discovery note” because it was not previously known to specialists. It is not listed in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, more commonly known as the Pick book after its original author.

Spink, a venerable UK-based auction house, submitted the note to PMG during PMG’s June 2019 on-site grading event in Hong Kong, China. The note will be offered in Spink’s London World Banknote sale on Oct. 2.

“This note is a significant discovery that will be highly sought by advanced India collectors,” said Spink Global Head of Banknotes and Bonds Kelvin Cheung, who estimated its worth to be $100,000. “We chose PMG to authenticate and grade it because of the company's reputation for accuracy, consistency and integrity.”

“PMG was honored to have been entrusted to authenticate and grade this ultra-rare British India banknote,” said Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of PMG. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to examine many of the paper money world’s greatest discoveries and rarities.”

The Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), of which PMG is an independent member company, recently established an affiliate in India to better serve collectors and dealers in the country. The company, NGC India Numismatic Services Private Limited (NGC India), and PMG recently conducted the first PMG on-site grading event in India.

PMG holds on-site grading events in Hong Kong, China and other cities periodically. Its next one in Hong Kong, China is scheduled for Aug. 12 to 24, 2019, at the offices of NGC Hong Kong Ltd., its Hong Kong, China affiliate. Submissions must be made by Aug. 9.

Vintage and modern notes from virtually every country will be accepted for this event. As an added benefit to its submitters, PMG will not charge any additional fees for the on-site grading. You can find more information here.

For more information about Spink, go to spink.com.