PMG-certified China Printer’s Models Excel at Spink Sale in Hong Kong, China

A set of People’s Bank of China Printer’s Models for an unissued 1975 2 Yuan note certified by Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) realized HK$1.32 million (about $168,200 USD) at an Aug. 18-22 auction in Hong Kong, China by Spink & Son Ltd.

The 1975 2 Yuan Printer’s Models were created during the country’s Cultural Revolution and reflect its resistance to Soviet incursions into two northern provinces. The front printer’s model is graded PMG 53 About Uncirculated and the back printer’s model is graded PMG 62 Uncirculated.

Two People’s Bank of China Printer’s Models for an unissued 1975 2 Yuan in a single lot realized HK$1.32 million (about $168,200 USD). Click on images to enlarge.

The fourth series of renminbi was conceived in January 1967, at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution, but wasn’t approved until 1985. This model design depicts “The United Front of Soldiers and Civilians in Tian Shan Protecting the Borders,” with the front showing soldiers with rifles on horseback and the back showing a large military transport loaded with rocket engines.

A banknote from a much earlier time in the country’s history, a Hong Kong Oriental Bank Corp. 1866 $25 Proof graded PMG 55 About Uncirculated, realized HK$900,000 (about $114,700 USD). The Proof was printed on India paper by Perkins, Bacon & Co. of London and is from that company’s archives. The $25 is the rarest denomination from the desirable Hong Kong Oriental Bank; this proof is one of only two examples believed to have been printed.

Another note from the early 20^th century, a Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. 1909 $100 graded PMG 20 Very Fine NET, realized HK$840,000 (about $107,000 USD).

Another Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp. note, a 1904-5 $5 graded PMG 35 Choice Very Fine, realized HK$720,000 (about $91,800 USD).

A set of Front and a Back Printer’s Models for a Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China 1929 $5, both graded PMG 63 Choice Uncirculated also realized HK$720,000 (about $91,800 USD).

A Hong Kong — Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China Undated (1901-09) $100 graded PMG 40 Extremely Fine realized HK$600,000 (about $76,400 USD).

Another note that realized HK$600,000 (about $76,400 USD) was a Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China Undated (1912-26) $500 Specimen graded PMG 53 About Uncirculated.

Also realizing HK$600,000 (about $76,400 USD) were a Uniface Front Printer’s Model and Back Printer’s Model for an Undated (1929) Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China $50, with the front graded PMG 62 Uncirculated and the back PMG 65 About Uncirculated EPQ.

All prices realized include a buyer’s premium.