Introducing the Bata Collection of Greek Specimens

We are putting the finishing touches on our mid-year sale of world paper money. As is now tradition, this sale includes both a live session and an internet-only session, bridging the gap between our two Maastricht Showcase auctions. Among the highlights of this sale will be the Bata Collection of Greek specimens. The collection includes more than 40 different specimens from Greece, spanning the first four decades of the 20^th century. What makes this collection of particular importance is the fact that many of the notes are not the specimens that were included in the ABNC archives (which are encountered fairly regularly), but instead are bank specimens that were actually sent to Greece. They can be identified by one or more ‘CANCELLED’ perforations (printer specimens have larger punch hole cancellations) and are noticeably scarcer. While PMG does not differentiate among the different specimen types, we must note that most of these have never been offered by us in this format.

Highlights of the Bata Collection include:

GREECE. National Bank of Greece. 1000 Drachmai, 15.4.1917. P-57s. Specimen. PMG About Uncirculated 53 EPQ.

GREECE. National Bank of Greece. 100 Drachmai, 8.2.1922. P-67s. Specimen. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ.

GREECE. Bank of Greece. 500 Drachmai, 13.10.1921. P-68s. Specimen. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ.

GREECE. Bank of Greece. 1000 Drachmai, 5.1.1923. P-72s. Specimen. PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ.

GREECE. National Bank of Greece. 500 Drachmai, 8.1.1923. P-77s. Specimen. PMG Choice About Uncirculated 58 EPQ.

GREECE. National Bank of Greece. 1000 Drachmai, 4.4.1923. P-79s. Specimen. PMG Choice About Uncirculated 58 EPQ.

GREECE. Bank of Greece. 100 Drachmai, 1926 (ND 1928). P-93s. Specimen. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.

GREECE. Bank of Greece. 100 Drachmai, 1.9.1935. P-105s. Specimen. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63 EPQ.

This will be an exceptional opportunity for Greek specialists to acquire numerous rare types, with the clear highlight being the Pick-77s: the 500 Drachmai from 1923, with the view of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople on the back. This is one of the most iconic type notes from Greece and is no doubt on the wish list of many collectors of the country.

While the deadline for consignments to this auction has now passed, we are always accepting consignments for our upcoming auctions. To inquire about consigning, please contact Dennis Hengeveld at [email protected] or call 800-458-4646.