Collection PL

Great Britain 1922 - Thomas Cook and Son 5 Pounds Travellers Cheque Photographic Proof (Pick Unlisted)

The proof connects directly with the corresponding Thomas Cook and Son 5 Pounds Travellers Cheque specimen, allowing the proof-stage design record and the finalized specimen-stage cheque to be studied together. The photographic proof preserves the design as a mounted production review image, while the specimen preserves the printed cheque format with red specimen and cancellation markings, reverse payment wording, and the full issued-style presentation structure. Read more →

Italy 1866 - Credito Fondiario di Bologna 50 Lire Specimen (Pick Unlisted)

The note’s oversized layout is striking, with ornate guilloché and multiple coats of arms symbolizing the pre-unification states of Italy. This heraldic display was already becoming obsolete by the 1860s as national identity consolidated, making this design a rare vestige of Italy’s regional past engraved onto its financial instruments. Wide margins, full color, and archival cancellations confirm its specimen status. Read more →

Brazil 1963 - 1000 Cruzeiros Specimen, (Pick 181s)

Specimen of the 1000 Cruzeiros printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, London, bearing red SPECIMEN overprint, punch cancellations, and De La Rue’s oval control marks. The note is labeled Estampa 2A / Série 791A with zero serials, confirming its archival or approval status rather than an issued piece. Read more →

Luxembourg 1982 - 1000 Francs Specimen Grand Duchess Charlotte (Pick 52bs)

This example carries serial number A000000 094, presented in the standard specimen format with dual serial placement at left and right. A bold red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint is applied across the central design, accompanied by two punch-hole cancellations positioned through the signature area. These combined elements-overprint, physical cancellation, and controlled serial format-firmly identify the note as a non-circulating archival specimen used for verification, approval, and internal reference. Read more →

Luxembourg 1982 - 1000 Francs Color Trial Specimen Grand Duchess Charlotte (Pick 52bcts)

This example carries serial number A000000 13 in standard specimen format, with duplicated placement at left and right. A red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint is applied across the central design, accompanied by a single punch-hole cancellation positioned below the central motif. These elements confirm its role as a controlled production-stage trial rather than a circulation note. Read more →

Luxembourg 1982 - 1000 Francs Proof Grand Duchess Charlotte (Pick 52bp)

Plate proof of the 1982 one thousand francs issue of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, representing the earliest finalized stage of the design before specimen marking, color testing, or production handling. As the highest denomination of the series, this proof captures the complete engraving program at its purest state-prior to overprints, serial application, or cancellation. Read more →

Luxembourg 1982 - 500 Francs Specimen Grand Duchess Charlotte (Pick 52as)

This example carries serial number A000000 096, presented in standard specimen format with duplicated placement at left and right. A red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint is applied across the central design, accompanied by two punch-hole cancellations positioned through the lower signature area. These elements confirm its role as a controlled specimen used for production validation and internal reference. Read more →

Luxembourg 1982 - 500 Francs Proof Grand Duchess Charlotte (Pick 52ap)

Printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Company, Limited, the note presents the complete design in its pure form, without overprints, serial numbering, or cancellation. The portrait of Grand Duchess Charlotte is rendered in precise intaglio engraving, supported by a dense guilloche framework and balanced ornamental layout. At this stage, the note functions as a reference standard, used to confirm engraving accuracy, spatial alignment, and readiness for transition into subsequent production phases. Read more →

Luxembourg 1970 - 100 Francs Specimen (Pick 56s)

Specimen of the issued 1970 one hundred francs type of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, bearing a red SPECIMEN overprint and circular punch hole cancellation across the central signature area. The note carries serial number A000000 in dual placement, consistent with specimen-format control numbering used for internal distribution and archival reference. Read more →

Luxembourg 1970 - 100 Francs Color Trial Specimen (Pick 56cts)

A diagonal red SPECIMEN overprint is applied across the central design, accompanied by two circular punch-hole cancellations positioned through the signature area. These combined cancellation methods physically and visually invalidate the note while preserving the full design for technical assessment. Read more →

Mauritius 1940 - Government of Mauritius 1 Rupee Uncut Pair Remainder (Pick 26r1)

Each note has been permanently invalidated by two large circular punch cancellations. On both impressions, the left-hand punch passes directly through the coat-of-arms panel, cutting into the heraldic design beside the shield and supporters. The right-hand punch passes through the royal portrait panel, removing part of the King George VI image. The same two-point cancellation arrangement is repeated on the upper and lower impressions, producing four prominent circular cancellations across the complete pair. Their deliberate placement through two of the most important representational elements of the design made the unfinished notes unmistakably unusable as currency while leaving the overall design, denomination and production layout intact. Read more →

New Zealand 1934 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand 10 Shillings Photographic Face Proof (Pick 154p)

The perforated cancellation across the design confirms the proof’s archival status and ensured it could not be mistaken for circulating currency. Catalogued as Pick 154p, the proof documents the developmental stage of the issued Pick 154 banknote and forms an essential companion artifact to the circulating note. Read more →