Some World Paper Money Favorites From our November Sale

The two-day November 2025 World Collectors Choice Online Auction – World Paper Money is presently open for viewing and bidding on our website. Session 1, on November 19 at 9:00 AM PST, offers 566 lots from Afghanistan to Hungary. Session 2 takes place on November 20 at 9:00 AM PST and offers an additional 702 lots beginning with Iceland and covering the remaining letters of the alphabet (as well as mixed lots). The sale offers an excellent assortment, including many lots from several long-term collections. Listed below are a few of my favorite lots in this sale. As always, these are not necessarily the most expensive notes, but they are lots that I think are interesting. As this blog post will no doubt show, there is a wide assortment of notes available, so make sure to check out the entire sale and place your bids now!

Lot 71130: BIAFRA. Lot of (2). Bank of Biafra. 5 & 10 Pounds, ND (1968-69). P-6a & 7a. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.

If you were around in the 1960s you are no doubt familiar with the story of Biafra – a breakaway state in Nigeria – and the disastrous famine and civil war that struck the region at the same time. Amidst all this, the Bank of Biafra issued two series of notes, of which these are the two highest denominations. Quite scarce at this grade level, and a sad reminder of the more infamous events in post-colonial African history.

Lot 71188: BULGARIA. Lot of (10). B’lgarska Narodna Banka. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, & 200 Leva, 1974-92. P-Various. Specimens. Uncirculated.

Modern specimens from many countries are fairly available, but that is not always the case. For example, this group of specimens from Bulgaria includes numerous notes that we were unable to locate previous offerings in specimen format. Underrated and one of those groups whose rarity might surprise you.

Lot 71201: BURUNDI. Banque de la Republique du Burundi. 1000 Francs, 1.2.1965 (ND 1966). P-19. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.

One of the scarcer types of post-colonial Africa, especially at this grade level. The highest denomination of this provisional series that was issued at a time when the country of Burundi transitioned from a monarchy to a republic. While researching the note for the catalog description, I read up on the country’s history, and it was quite an interesting read that adds more context to this note.

Lot 71427: FRANCE. Lot of (5). Banque de France. 5, 10, 20, 100, & 1000 Francs, 1942-49. P-98a, 99f, 100c, 101a, & 102. About Uncirculated to Uncirculated.

Classic French notes are known for their attractive designs and lovely pastel colors. These notes from the 1940s are no exception, and it is an attractive group in nice condition. An excellent way to start collecting French printed banknotes.

Lot 71553: HAITI. Banque Nationale de la Republique d’Haiti. 2 Gourdes, 1919 (ND 1935-42). P-168a. PMG Very Fine 25.

A very underrated type from Haiti. Image of President Stenio Vincent on the front, whose portrait was only used on the 1 Gourde and the 2 Gourdes seen here. These notes were issued shortly after the occupation of Haiti by U.S. marines ended, while Vincent was president (he had run a nationalist campaign for president, strongly opposing the U.S. occupation). Despite their modest face value they are very scarce, and not often encountered in any grade.

Lot 72004: INDIA – PRINCELY STATES. Government of Bundi State. 4 Annas, ND (1939-46). P-S224. Jhun&Rez 10.8.3. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ.

The Princely States of India issued a wide variety of small-change notes during World War II. A fascinating area to collect, many of the notes are more akin to (revenue) stamps, and there is a wide variety of different issues. This example from Bundi State has a more note-like appearance, although it is technically a cash coupon. In my opinion a very underrated area of Indian numismatics.

Lot 72279: NETHERLANDS. Nederlandsche Bank. 100 Gulden, 2.9.1929. P-39d. PCGS Currency Choice About New 55.

A scarce type from the Netherlands from the 1920s, seen here in much nicer grade than typically encountered. This type is known as “Grietje Seel” by Dutch collectors, the name of the lady seen on the left side of the front of this note. She was a model (some sources say student) at the Royal Academy in Amsterdam. One of the classic Dutch types and a design only used on high-denomination notes, further contributing to its scarcity.

Lot 72401: SAINT PIERRE & MIQUELON. Lot of (2). Caisse Centrale de la France Libre. 5 & 20 Francs, 2.12.1941. P-10 & 12. Very Fine or Better.

I have always been fascinated by remote places, and Saint Pierre & Miquelon certainly fit that category, as these two French islands are located in the North Atlantic just off the coast of Newfoundland. For their limited population, the islands have had a fairly sizable output of paper money over the years. These notes, however, are deceptively rare. They look similar to notes printed for French Equatorial Africa, but records indicate that they were part of a small run issued in St. Pierre & Miquelon.

Lot 72468: SPAIN. Banco de Bilbao. 4000 Reales de Vellon, ND (1859). P-S256r. Remainder. PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ.

I covered this note in a blog post a few weeks ago, as it is just a pretty and scarce 19th-century example, not often seen in any grade. The bright blue paper makes the note stand out, and paired with an attractive design and high-grade, makes this certainly a personal favorite. I will be jealous of the collector who places the high bid on this!

Lot 72524: TANZANIA. Bank of Tanzania. 100 Shillings, ND (1966). P-5a. PMG Choice Uncirculated 64.

For some reason, the Bank of Tanzania decided to issue two different types of the 100- Shillings of its first series, both of which share the same front design. The first (Pick-4) has a native warrior on the back. The back of the second type, seen here, has an assortment of local animals on the back, which is quite attractive, but perhaps a tad unrealistic. This particular example is especially interesting, thanks to its pedigree. It was once part of the collection of Amon Carter, who was among the most famous American coin and currency collectors of the 20^th century.