Noonans’ Banknotes Sale Features Rare 2 Rupees, 8 Annas and Koffyfontein Notes

In Noonans’ first banknote auction of 2023, several notable currency collections will come to the market. This includes the Bruce Smart Collections of India, Britain, and Ireland; proceeds from these lots will be donated to Humane Animal Partners, an animal welfare organization. Leading the sale is a Cawnpore 2 Rupees, 8 Annas note issued by the British Government of India in 1918, formerly of the Bruce Smart Collection. The British introduced this note in response to widespread silver hoarding in the aftermath of World War I. The available banknote has been awarded grade 63 by Paper Money Guaranty (PMG). Another notable lot is a 500 Tomans note issued by the Imperial Bank of Persia between 1890 and 1923. Its intricate engraving was completed by English banknote printer Bradbury Wilkinson & Co. 

Several rare banknotes from South Africa are also on offer, including an exceedingly rare Koffyfontein £5 note from 1901 during the Boer War era. There are only four other known examples of this note available in the private market. The offered note has been awarded grade 25 by PMG. Also notable is a 1960 proposed £1 note from the Bank of Jamaica and a 1,000-lire note issued by the Banca Nazionale nel Regno d’Italia in 1878. The Italian note features blue-tinted images of young women and angelic putti. Visit Noonans to learn more and register to bid.