In 2016, the Indian Prime Minister caused panic when he announced that the top banknote values of 500 and 1000 rupees were to be withdrawn from circulation. The time limit to pay in these high values was very limited. Ostensibly, the move was made to clamp down on tax evasion but the policy caused considerable consternation throughout the country and not just in the group the government was targeting. We recently purchased a group of these withdrawn 500 and 1000 rupees. They have seen light circulation but they are a reminder of this extraordinary period in Indian economic history.
This Indian banknote is a real treasure from World War II. A German bombing raid on Scotland led to the ship they were on sinking. The Bank of England had printed the watermarked paper for King George VI banknotes of India. The paper would be overprinted in India and used as money. The watermark shows the portrait of King George VI with the words ‘Reserve Bank of India’ and the denomination ‘Ten Rupees’. These banknote sheets were on the treasure ship for more than 50+ years. We bought the treasure ship that contained all the sheets. There was a great write up in IBNS Journal a few years back. We have had them cut into collectable sheets of four notes, which is a great size for display. Hold a light behind the sheet to see it in all its glory. India, World War II and treasure, what more could you want? We have seen the uncut sheet of 4 Indian banknotes bring £60-£65 each at auction. They probably bought them from us and then put them into auction... You can have them at our price and not the auction price.
A wonderful set of 5 different Uncirculated notes from Indonesia These were first issued in 2016 Included in the set are the 1000, 2000 ,5000, 10,000 and 20,000 rupiah. It’s a colourful set with portraits of prominent citizens on the front. The backs all feature different dancers. A great set in uncirculated.
This 2000 yen note was first issued by Japan in the year 2000 to mark the G8 Summit which was held in Okinawa the same year (P103) It was an unusual denomination and it did not prove very popular with the public. Production ceased in 2003. The front shows the Main Gate of Shuri Castle in Naha Okinawa while on the back we find scrolls and calligraphy found in the world’s first novel – the 11th century The Diary of Lady Murisaki Crisp Uncirculated and limited availability.
This 5 sen note was the smallest note issued in Japan during the period 1942 to 1945 (P52.) Like its value, it is quite small. The illustration on the front is an equestrian statue of 14th-century Samurai Kusunoki Mashigi in front of the Imperial Palace. The back has a rosette and paulownia flowers. Uncirculated.
Hansatsu were issued in 19th century Japan and have always been popular with collectors. Shaped like bookmarks we are delighted to offer what we are calling ‘slender’ Hansatsu because the dimensions are a little slimmer than many offered before. Measuring 32mm x 155mm, they are printed on cream card like paper the illustrations comprising red seals and script. Another great addition to your collection – the ‘slender’ Hansatsu.
These 5 kip notes were issued by Laos in the early 1960’s and bear the portrait of King Sisaveng Vong is on the front. On the back we find a view of the Wat That Luang Stupa in Vientiane and a royal soldier riding an elephant. Because of its association with the monarchy it was withdrawn in 1976 when Pathet Lao took control of the country. Uncirculated.
It is the tradition amongst Chinese people to give gifts of money on Chinese New Year. The Chinese Zodiac is represented by 12 different animals and each New Year relates to the twelve year cycle of zodiac animals. The two banks issuing notes in Macau also have a tradition of producing special Zodiac notes each New Year printed in red, considered the luckiest colour. 2020 was the Year of the Rat but because of the pandemic, notes were prepared but only issued in 2021. Is the the Rat your Chinese Zodiac sign? It could be the year of one of your loved ones...
It is the tradition amongst Chinese people to give gifts of money on Chinese New Year. The Chinese Zodiac is represented by 12 different animals and each New Year relates to the twelve year cycle of zodiac animals. The two banks issuing notes in Macau also have a tradition of producing special Zodiac notes each New Year printed in red, considered the luckiest colour. 2021 was the Year of the Ox and because of the pandemic, these notes were prepared and issued at the same time as the 2020 notes, in 2021. Is the the OX your Chinese Zodiac sign? It could be the year of one of your loved ones...
In 2019, Macau celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Handover of Macau to Mainland China which occurred in 1999 after over 400 years of Portuguese rule. There are two issuing banks in Macau- the Bank of China and the Banco Nacional Ultramarino and each issued a special 20 patacas note for the occasion. (P-New) The designs are very similar, the only difference being the image of the respective bank headquarters which is on the front alongside a view of the sweep of the seashore and the 6 metre high Golden Lotus Sculpture found in Lotus Square. Crisp Uncirculated Anniversary 20 patacas.