By Aris Maragoudakis – Currency Specialist, Stack’s Bowers ……
Tibetan Banknotes from the Lissanevitch Collection
In the April 3, 2017 Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong Paper Money sale, we are auctioning an extensive offering of Tibetan bank notes. These notes are from the collection of Alexander Boris Lissanevitch, regarded by those familiar with his collection as the premier collector for Tibet. Nearly our entire section of Tibetan notes is made up of his material.
Among the many highlights are lot 70572, a 10 Tam printing plate, and lot 70637, an assortment of four 25 Srang printing plates for different stages of production.
Many of the notes in the collection have missing serial numbers, red seals, and black seals. Mismatched serial numbers and inverted seals are also present. Scarce catalog numbers like Pick 2 and Pick 3 (the 10 and 15 Tam notes) are also included, certified by PCGS Currency. One of the 15 Tam notes, lot 70595, has a repeater serial number. Lot 70600 offers Pick 5, a 50 Tam note in PCGS Very Fine 30. This note is the only known 50 Tam example missing both the seals, and serial numbers.
In addition we are offering original bundles of Pick 7, the later 50 Tam design, in lots 70623-70625. Other bundles offered include, but are not limited to, lots 70630, 70632, and 70634 (the 10 Srang design classified as Pick 9).
As it is such an extensive collection, there are groups comprising 10 to 15 notes, as well as larger groups of over 100 notes. Some of these are perfect for bulk collectors, and others are suitable for dealers looking to have a large variety of items to offer clients. The lots belonging to this collection can be viewed here.
Our Debut Offering of China Pick 16d
Also, we are pleased to offer a Bank of China 1912 Provisional One Dollar Note in our upcoming April 2017 Hong Kong Auction. It features Bank of China overprints on Ta Ching Government Bank P-A77. This rare overprinted Bank of China type is the first we have handled for the catalog number, regardless of issuing branch. The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money lists prices in the five-figure range for notes from all branches, and does not list prices above that level.
The notes they were overprinted on are also among the most visually pleasing ABN designs produced for Chinese currency, with multi-color under-prints, beautiful central vignettes and an impressive back design.
The quality of this note is of great importance, as we understand that the very few known are mostly lower-grade examples. This note retains terrific color and detail throughout with just minimal circulation observed. A vertical fold at center and handling are noted, and the minor stains that PCGS Currency mentions are relegated mostly to the lower border. A quick look at the PMG population report cements the rarity of this piece, as that firm has graded just a single note of this catalog number at the Very Fine level. This is an opportunity that will likely not be replicated in the near future, so bid accordingly.
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Our Hong Kong paper money auction will begin at 1:00 PM on April 3, 2017. If you are considering consigning to a Stack’s Bowers sale, we are currently accepting consignments for the rest of our 2017 auction season. For more information, or further inquiries please contact our World Currency Specialist at [email protected].
中国, 中國, 香港, 中国银行股份有限公司, 中國銀行, 中国银行, 中行
