2018-01-04 Thu

The Eldorado Collection of Colombian Paper Money will be auctioned on 11th January at the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC). One of the highlights of the collection is the American Bank Note Company archival record book of 1923-1979 Colombian Banknote Proofs Issues. It was a part of the American Bank Note Company Archives, catalogued for the second time in almost 100 years. It was sold at ABN Sale at Christie’s in 1990 for $8,250 and currently has an estimated value of $7,500 – $15,000.

The book contained Uniface Colombian Banknote Proofs or bond paper specimens from 1923-79 for most series. The series with SCWPM catalogue types was incomplete. There are order authorizations for many notes and denominations until 1964.

Most proofs were issued between the 1940s and ’50s. The notes are arranged on the basis of denomination and date from a 1923 1 Peso to a 1979 1,000 Pesos. Many are rare types or dates that were not sold at the 1990-91 ABN auctions.

Most of the notes on the 75 pages are face and back proofs. They are of mixed-condition and not as vibrant as the proofs from the 1870s and ’80s which used “hands on” proofing techniques and not machine-made production. There is glue toning on the paper on most notes.

It starts with the 1923 issue gold notes, then features a 1938 commemorative issue face and back page, and ends with the 1979 1,000 Pesos. The arrangement is based on the progression of dates and signature transitions by dates from several series.