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Auction: CSS41 - The Numismatic Collectors' Series sale
Lot: 247

The Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, $500, pattern, undated (ca.1911-1912), without serial numbers, purple-red, black and dark yellow, supported arms at upper centre, denomination at each corner and within left and right borders, central vignette of sailing sampans and junk boat against fortress walls and pagoda, reverse blue and black, bank building at centre, 'SPECIMEN' printed in red diagonally twice on the obverse, hole punch cancelled,
(Pick 46s), PMG 53 About Uncirculated (Pinholes). This note is a pattern for the issue of 1912. It was prepared either late in 1911 or early in 1912. At the time of preparation it was not yet decided whether the notes would be hand-signed and dated. Thus a unique pattern. Colloquially known as the 'Spider Web' because of the geometric design at centre, this type is one of the most iconic and coveted Hong Kong banknotes. Ultra rare in any form, this note is in superb quality and will be fiercely contested for.

Sold for
HK$500,000