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Auction: CSS120B - Hong Kong, Macau, World Banknotes and Coins
Lot: 1407

HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Japan, colour trial specimen for a $50, 18-, Hiogo (Hyogo) Kobe, no serial number, blue and pink, with English and Kanji, reverse red,
(Pick S243cts), PMG 63, previously mounted. HSBC's first Japan branch was Yokohama which opened in 1866, shortly followed by the Kobe branch in 1869. The name Hiogo was used on the banknotes until 1904 when it was changed to Kobe to reflect its incorporation into the Kobe area. As an early supporter of Japan's trade with the world, banknotes were issued to facilitate the operation but low denominations notes were mostly redeemed and higher denominations were used to interbank or business transactions, any notes of HSBC's Japan branch are rare. What is even more special about this note is that an example is also housed in HSBC's archive. Hence this is likely the only privately owned example out there. Extremely rare and highly important.

Estimate
HK$450,000 to HK$600,000

Starting price
HK$450000