In lot
50281 of our upcoming May 4, 2020, Hong Kong Auction of Chinese, Hong Kong
and World Paper Money we will be offering a scarce banknote printed by Barclay
and Fry Ltd. PMG’s population report lists this note as the sole graded
example, which attests to the extreme rarity of this pick number. When these
notes are offered, they are usually stamp cancelled with the lower two corners
missing, or are contemporary counterfeits. This note is issued, fully intact
and uncancelled, factors that are paramount to this note’s value to collectors.
This is the earliest 10 Dollar note issued by HKSBC (Hong
Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation), with an issued date of April 1, 1893.
The majority of pieces known today are dated in 1898. The front text on this
note reads: "The Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking Corporation. Promises To
Pay The Bearer On Demand At Its Office Here Or The Equivalent In The Currency
Of The Island Value Received Ten Dollars By Order Of The Board Of Directors
Hong Kong."
Blue and salmon colored inks are featured on the face of the
note, while light red ink is seen on the back. The reverse displays an ornate
coat of arms, with the bank name surrounding the design, and with counters at
left and right. PMG comments "Restoration," which has been well
executed. PMG also comments "Annotations." The signatures are bold
and still pleasing on this Very Fine note. It is certified by PMG as Very Fine
20 and will be a centerpiece in any collection it enters.
The Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio May
2020 Hong Kong Currency Auction is currently available for viewing,
bidding, and bidder registration at StacksBowers.com.
The live auction will take place May 4, 2020, beginning at 3PM HKT. For more
information on viewing lots or assistance in registering to bid,
contact [email protected].