2017-09-29 Fri

Gear up for an amazing week as Auction House Spink will be selling 2,000 rare and highly valuable banknotes, with many expected to fetch thousands of pounds from eager investors who have awaited the sale since March. The Bruce Smart collection of British Commonwealth banknotes includes some uncirculated and incredibly rare notes from Southeast Asia and Africa. Both regions are known for having climates inimical to paper, so the collection is really fascinating.

The most expensive item in the sale is a Palestine £10 from 1927 (lot 2547). At the time of issue, Palestine was under British administration, and fewer than ten notes with the 1927 date are thought to exist. The note is expected to fetch a staggering £45,000.

Let’s have a look at four other notes in the collection that are expected to sell for tens of thousands of pounds.

New Zealand £50 of 1934

This eye-catching, remarkable and rare banknote features three icons of New Zealand. On the left is a Kiwi bird, on the right, the Maori King Tawhiao and on the reverse is Milford Sound, a famous beauty spot. £50 was a lot of money in 1934 and almost all notes were redeemed.

The banknote is estimated to sell for between £22,000 and £28,000 at auction.

Iraqi 100 dinar of 1931

These proof designs for the Iraqi 100 dinar of 1931 are very unique. They feature King Faisal I, who was a staunch ally of the British. His grandson, Faisal II, was deposed by the Ba’ath Party in 1958.

Everyone is fully aware that Iraq is a fabulous country and a popular one too. Collectors are amazed because of its turbulent history and striking designs. This particular note is expected to fetch £20,000-25,000.

British Malaya $1,000 of 1942

This is a British Malaya $1,000 note from 1942, featuring King George VI, the Queen's father. $1,000 was a vast sum of money in the 1940s, and not many of these notes were printed. Today, they are very rare, and this note is estimated to fetch £12,000-16,000.

Zanzibar 5 rupees of 1908 (lot 2877)

However, if you’re looking for some thrill, then one of the most appealing pieces in this collection is the Zanzibar 5 rupees of 1908. Now, almost 110 years old, this note is an exceptional rarity.

Dating from the short period when Zanzibar was under British control, the note features atmospheric scenes of harvesting cloves and boats at sunset. It is expected to sell for between £12,000 and £14,000.

The notes come from collector Bruce Smart's private collection, with the proceeds going to an animal charity in Delaware.