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Auction: 25008 - World Banknotes
Lot: 48

The East African Currency Board, specimen 10,000 Shillings/£500, Nairobi, 1st January 1947, serial number B/1 00000,
includes envelope reading 'EAST AFRICAN NOTES',

this banknote represents the highest denomination for substantial transactions, symbolising the economic power of its time. The obverse of the note proudly displays a regal portrait of King George VI, a reflection of imperial authority, surrounded by intricate guilloche patterns that add to its elegance and security. On the reverse, Mount Kenya rises majestically alongside a lion, emphasising the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. A distinctive feature of this note is the inclusion of Arabic and Gujarati text alongside English, reflecting the region's rich cultural and linguistic diversity, shaped by centuries of trade and colonial influence.
(Pick 32s, BNB 222), perforated cancelled, solid good extremely fine, includes original envelope from The Bank of England reading "East African Notes". Profoundly important and tangible piece of currency history. Sold by Order of a Direct Descendant of Raymond Newton Kershaw, who served on the East African, West African, Burma and Palestine Currency Boards. Kershaw was a member of the Colonial Office Currency Committee, advising the Colonial Secretary, and also found time to work on the Bank’s committees dealing with currency issues in China and in India (according to his biography by James Cotton on the People Australia website, from the National Centre of Biography).

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Estimate
£4,000 to £7,000

Starting price
£3200