Stack’s Bowers April 2021 Hong Kong Auction – Session A was a fun proposition. There are always notes that are expected to do well that do well. Some are missing their expected mark. I like to look for grades that exceed expectations and start looking for trends. A high price doesn’t just make a trend, it has to be a broader movement, and figuring out what is driving a trend can be fun. Some of the lottery results that caught my attention are listed below.
1919 Merchants Bank of Canada, Prince of Wales $ 5
The first, lot 40368, was a Merchants Bank of Canada, Prince of Wales, $ 5 note dated 1919, serial number 1 and marked “A”. Rated by PMG Extrem Fine 40 EPQ. The lot contained an envelope marked: “First 5 dollar note of a series“ a ”issued by the Merchants Bank of Canada: coinciding with the visit of the Prince of Wales in November 1919.” Also included is a vignette from ABNC des Prince of Wales. Estimated at $ 40,000 to $ 60,000, the lot fetched a price tag of $ 48,000.
CHINA – EMPIRE, Revenue Board, vertical 1 tael
The second point I followed was Lot 40017, an 1856, CHINA-EMPIRE, Board of Revenue, vertical 1 tael. Graded PMG Very Fine 30. The grade is blue and red with a main design of kite and water. Estimated at $ 2,500 to $ 3,500, the note generated strong sales of $ 7,800.
1944 (1945) Hong Kong government, $ 5 overprint emergency issue
The third item that caught my eye was lot 40342. A 1944 (1945) Hong Kong government, $ 5 emergency issue, dark red imprint for 1000 yuan. The grade graded by PCGS via Uncirculated 55 PPQ was estimated at $ 1,500 to $ 3,000.
1924 Mongolia $ 5 Treasury Note
The fourth note I was tracking was a lively, high state. The face is green and multicolored with a decorative watermark. The lot was valued at $ 2,500 to $ 3,500 and sold for $ 5,040.
ND (1948-51) Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited 50 Palestine pounds
The fifth point I followed was Lot 40397, a note from Anglo-Palestine Bank Limited, 50 Palestine Pounds, ND (1948-51). The face is a beautiful lilac and a difficult label to find in the series. This banknote is valued at $ 5,000 to $ 7,000 and retails for $ 25,200.
1941 Republic of Panama, 10 balboas
The last note I want to mention is Lot 40464, a 1941 Republica de Panama, 10 Balboas. The quality of this banknote was dependent on the desirability. The note has great face colors of black on a purple, orange, and green underprint. The PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ graded grade was valued at $ 25,000 to $ 35,000 and sold for $ 48,000 at auction.
This offer contained many beautiful, high quality sheet music. I’m not surprised that they performed well with collectors. I look forward to seeing upcoming offers to share more outstanding lots with you.
