2017-09-26 Tue

Spink auction is going to offer ‘Shamshir and Lion Collection’ banknotes by The Imperial Bank of Persia, printed by Bradbury Wilkinson and Waterlow & Sons, on 27th September.

The colourful notes generally have pink and green shades featuring portraits of shahs with detailed engraving and calligraphy. The notes were issued in many cities. Notes issued in 17 of those cities are offered in the collection. Individual notes have been sold before but such a comprehensive collection has been offered for the first time.

Large-sized notes in higher denominations have a high market value and are rarely offered by auctioneers. Background of the notes and design processes of the era can be understood by studying about these Persian notes. Old photographs of designs, die proofs, specimens, and German military issues for Persia are also offered at the auction.

A 50-toman note payable at Teheran, dated 1st JUNE 1918, graded PCGS Currency Very Fine 20, has an estimated value of £10,000 to £15,000. It is black, pink and green, with a portrait of Shah Nasr-ed-Din and the Persian coat of arms. The note has been offered for the first time at an auction.

A 100-toman issue, payable at Yezd, dated 18th JUNE 1918, graded PCGS Currency VF-20 has an estimated value of £15,000 to £20,000. Designs and colours are similar to the 50-toman note. Only 100 such notes were unredeemed from the first half of the 20th century.