Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24009 - World Banknotes
Lot: 35

(x) Nissan Estate, British North Borneo, [3 notes] $1, $5, ND (1942), 1 Dollar, ND (1942), serial number 24550;
Remainder 5 Dollars, ND (1942), serial number 18346;
5 Dollars, ND (1942), serial number 06481.

against the tumultuous backdrop of WWII, British North Borneo experienced significant changes. The island of Borneo was divided between British-controlled territories and those under the jurisdiction of the Dutch East Indies. In January 1942, Japanese forces invaded British North Borneo, swiftly capturing the city of Tawau. Prior to the war, Japanese business interests had already made substantial investments in the region, particularly in agriculture and rubber production. For example, the Tawau Rubber Estate had become a major employer in the area.

During the occupation, a series of emergency banknotes were issued by the Nissan Rubber Estate, specifically for use in the Tawau district. These notes were declared temporary legal tender during the early stages of Japanese control but were later withdrawn and replaced with Japanese military-issued currency. The notes were printed in denominations of 50 cents, 1 dollar, 5 dollars, 10 dollars, and 25 dollars. The Nissan Estate notes imitated many features of the circulating British North Borneo notes, including a prominent red seal and a stamped signature from the estate's manager. Notably, there was no reference to British North Borneo on these emergency issues.

As these emergency notes only circulated between February and July 1942, they are rare finds and hold a unique place in the region's monetary history,
(Pick Unlisted, KNB2a, KNB3, KNB3r), in PMG holders... scarce (3 notes)

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£7,000 to £9,000