The World Paper Money Department of Stack’s Bowers Galleries presents their flagship 2017 January New York International (NYINC) Auction, to be held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The firm has been collecting consignments for this sale since the summer, and the resulting catalog features material that will exceed expectations. It is truly a sale worthy of the “New York International” name. Notes of the highest scarcity and desirability will be offered, with many being the finest, and in some cases the only notes known for the type.
Highlights of the Iranian section are the 50 and 100 Tomans notes being offered as lots 1169 and 1170. These Imperial Bank of Persia issued notes are the finest the firm has seen, and the only examples known to have been offered in a public auction. The 50 Tomans is payable at Teheran only, and the 100 Tomans features a rarer Kermanshah overprint. These challenging notes were collected as part of Dr. Magid Al-Kimawi’s collection.
In addition to these issued notes, Dr. Al-Kimawi has given Stack’s Bowers several high-grade Iranian Specimens that are also crossing the auction block.
Zanzibar is one of those places, that when mentioned, grabs the attention of collectors worldwide. Lot 1405 presents the finest graded, uncancelled example of the 5 Rupees banknote from 1908. Only about 500 total pieces in any denomination were said to have survived of the first issued denominations. Nearly a century later, that number has surely dwindled significantly.
Also included in the catalog are two high-valued specimen albums with assortments of scarce specimens. Lot 1361 contains a mixture of South American specimens that are individually holdered, and placed into three-prong sleeves.
Lot 1165 is a hardbound leather book with a range of 36 Iranian specimens that once belonged to a close advisor to the Shah. Stack’s Bowers anticipates spirited bidding on each of these books.
Other highlights worthy of mention are the fully original uncirculated examples of the Rhino (lot 1052) and Zebra (lot 1053) notes from Burundi. These are the finest ever offered at public auction, and the only uncirculated examples in original paper quality that the firm has ever seen.
Also worth mentioning is an issued Qatar and Dubai 25 Riyals (lot 1331) note that is widely considered the most difficult of the series.
In addition, Stack’s Bowers will be auctioning some rare Specimen Proofs from the Bank of France, and some replacements from the Philippines.
Excitement over the upcoming Stack’s Bowers NYINC auction is building among dealers and collectors. With all of the rarities and never before seen pieces being offered, the firm anticipates a collector driven auction with a large attendance that will make this sale a huge success.
