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Auction: CSS75 - THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN COLLECTION PART III
Lot: 4190

The Government of Straits Settlements, $100, 1915, a spectacular and unique uniface obverse banknote model, serial number A/7 00000,
black grey on white, tiger below the bank name at top centre, arms at top right, George V at top left.

While the note illustrated only depicts the $1 changeover prototype, this design is the prototype for all higher denominations in the Straits:

The $50 first issued on 7 March 1916 (Chan Chin Cheung, page 111)

The $100 first issued on 7 March 1916 (Chan Chin Cheung, page 113)

The $1000, lacking in Chan, but believed to have been first issued in 1916

The $10,000, lacking in Chan, but believed to have been first issued in 1916.

This design was modified to become that which appears on the $50 through $10,000 of the following year, and many of these modifications are evident on the model. Among these are cancellation strokes on the crown at left and the oval containing the portrait of George V, the decorative element below the Chinese characters is deleted, the figures for '100' at left are crossed out.

The model is serial numbered 'A/7 00000'. However, when the issue was finalized in 1916 it was decided that a new series of serials would be used. Thus the 1916 notes bear the prefix 'B/1.'
The three signatories have been slashed out.
The date '1 March 1915' was ultimately changed to one year later.
The inscription at the bottom states 'Signatures Black. Design for $10 and above to be used with Watermark No. 7.' This indicates that the $10 also at that time was planned to have the new 'portrait' design, but for whatever reason the early style was maintained for that denomination.
This model is thus the key to the entire portrait series of Straits Settlements notes, and a once-only opportunity to acquire a unique prototype for such sweeping change in the Straits Settlements monetary system.
(Pick unlisted), PMG 64NET (Printer's Annotations, Previously Mounted). Unique.

Sold for
HK$50,000

Starting price
HK$50000