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Auction: 24038 - The Dr. Martin M Mortazavi Collection of Persian Banknotes
Lot: 10

(x) Imperial Bank of Persia, [Top Pop] set of front and back Colour Trial Specimen 10 Tomans, 1st July 1897 / ND (1890-1923),
this set showcases a distinctive printing colour scheme. The front colour trial note is printed in pale shades of pink, navy blue, and light purple, instead of the vibrant pink, purple, and green tones found on issued banknotes. The note is signed by Arthur F. Grundy and Joseph Rabino and is dated 1st July 1897, which is the first known date for the 10 Toman note. Unfortunately, no issued notes with this date are known today, with this date only recorded in few specimen and colour trial notes.

As for the back colour trial, it is printed in the same brown colour but in a much lighter shade than that chosen for the circulated notes. It is important to note that, being a colour trial specimen, the back does not feature a serial number. However, out of curiosity, the prefix assigned to the notes of this date would have been the letter "E". Perforated "SPECIMEN" is present on both banknotes.

Once again, the quality and preservation of these magnificent notes is outstanding, holding the title of finest known graded examples certified by PMG to date,
(Pick 4cts1, 4cts2, BNB 106 for the type), in PMG holder 63 Choice Uncirculated, (1), 64 Choice Uncirculated (1), (total 2 notes, both sole examples graded by PMG) rare!

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

Sold for
£3,500

Starting price
£1700