SPINK LONDON | It's that time of year again, the Valkenburg show is fast approaching, and several Spink sales will follow! The world of banknote collecting and their wives (reluctantly) will descend on London for the Spring Spink auctions. We have outdone ourselves this time with six widely differing catalogues. A new record for Spink! World Banknotes is crammed full of the finest material from around the globe and will take place on the 26-27^th April 2017.

This world sale totals a little under 1800 lots and features some exceptional single items and groups. There is a spectacular East Africa George V 100 shillings, which holds pride of place on the back cover. Lot 1138, an East African Currency Board, 100 shillings = £5, 15 December 1921, serial number A/3 92415. Probably The Finest Known Issued £5 from 1921,to find this date of this note in this grade is nothing short of miraculous, an exceptional rarity and in the opinion of the cataloguer, one of the top three notes he has ever seen. It will be the jewel in the crown of any East Africa collection.

Lot 1138, estimated: £8,000-12,000

The Iraq section features some die proofs which have to be seen to be believed. One of the most astounding is lot 1573, a Government of Iraq obverse and reverse printer's archival die proof engraving for a 10 dinar, from 1^st July 1931. It bears Young/Askari/Hornsby signatures, Bradbury Wilkinson print (Pick 5 for type, TBB B105 for type), pencil annotations and date "SEP 21st 31" top margin and number "F.62". Spink is particularly excited because it is previously unknown and thus absolutely unique.

Lot 1573, estimated: £10,000-14,000

Lot 1333 could not go unmentioned as the star of the auction in true thespian style! A Banque de France proof for a proposed issue of 50000 francs, ND (1958) bearing the famous French actor Moliere at centre with a theatre in background. It also has the signatures of Gargam, d'Ambrieres and Favre-Gilly in right field. On the reverse there is a scene from a play by Lepautre, with Moliere at centre stage. This design was never issued for the 50000 francs and this denomination is the highest recorded for the Banque de France. Spink is certain that this note will capture the attention of the auction room just as Moliere could command a Parisian audience back in the seventeenth-century.

Lot 1333, estimated: £16,000-18,000

As ever, Spink would like to think there is something in here to suit all tastes and pockets and hopes to see all our friends, from wherever in the world they come from, in London this Spring.

For more Information, please contact Andrew Pattison:

Tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4044 | Email: [email protected]

About Spink

Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs, books and wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland, Spink holds over 70 auctions a year.  Catalogues can be accessed through the Spink website (www.spink.com) or via the Spink App for iPhone and iPad.