Collection PL

Poland 1940 - 10 Zlotych Contemporary Counterfeit with WERTLOS Stamp (Pick 94x)

A bold purple 'WERTLOS' (worthless) overprint was applied across the face, likely as an official or resistance-era cancellation after discovery. Printed on correct paper bearing the Zigzag Lines watermark, it exhibits wide left margins typical of sheet-fed counterfeit runs. Read more →

Uruguay 1862 - Banco de Londres y Rio de la Plata 100 Pesos Remainder (Pick S245r)

Few notes capture the working side of 19th-century banknote production like this 1862 100 Pesos remainder. Printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. for the Banco de Londres y Rio de la Plata but never signed or issued, it remains an untouched example of Uruguay’s first major British-engraved currency design. No cancellations, no serials-just the raw presswork as it left London more than 160 years ago. Read more →

Uruguay 1939 - Banco de la Republica Oriental del Uruguay 50 Pesos Perforated SIN VALOR Specimen with Specimen Number 000235 (Pick 38s)

Specimen of the 50 Pesos dated 22 January 1939 for the Departamento de Emision del Banco de la Republica Oriental del Uruguay, printed by Thomas De La Rue, London. This specimen carries the red ESPECIMEN overprint, the perforated cancellation reading 'SIN VALOR', and multiple circular punch holes applied by Thomas De La Rue as part of printer archive control. Serial 00000000, Series C. Watermark Jose Gervasio Artigas. Read more →

Uruguay 1939 - Banco de la Republica Oriental del Uruguay 50 Pesos Serie C Specimen, Specimen No. 9 (Pick 38bs)

At right appears a monumental Indigenous warrior portrait, engraved with the sculptural precision associated with Thomas De La Rue and Company Limited. The figure wears an elaborate feathered headdress and ornamental beadwork, while a ceremonial staff or weapon rises behind the shoulder. Closely controlled intaglio lines define the face, hair, headdress, clothing, and surrounding textures, creating a portrait of considerable visual strength and depth. Read more →

Uruguay 1939 (1967 Authorization) - Banco Central del Uruguay 50 Pesos Serie D Specimen, Specimen No. 2 (Pick 42As)

The note occupies an important position in the institutional history of Uruguayan paper money. Its visual design originated with the issue authorized under the law of 2 January 1939, when note issuance remained associated with the Departamento de Emision of the Banco de la Republica Oriental del Uruguay. Following the establishment of the Banco Central del Uruguay in 1967, the denomination continued through a new authorization while retaining the familiar artistic and technical structure developed for the earlier series. Read more →

Uruguay 1870 - Republica Oriental del Uruguay 1 Peso, Junta de Credito Publico (Illegible Signature Variant, Serial 710157)

Dated 4 de Mayo de 1870, this 1 Peso note represents the same first national issue of the Junta de Credito Publico but bearing a different handwritten signature type, executed by another board member whose autograph remains partially illegible due to cancellation and ink staining. The printing is identical to the 'Ruy / West' variety, featuring Mercury seated left, Uruguay’s arms top center, and the text 'Ley de 4 de Mayo de 1870'. The green paper stock and scalloped margin are characteristic of local lithography by G. Mas & Cía. Read more →

North Macedonia 1996 - 5000 Denari Specimen Maenad EA0000000 No. 006 (Pick 19s)

The note preserves the full design of the circulating denomination while being permanently invalidated through De La Rue’s specimen control procedures. A bold red diagonal SPECIMEN overprint crosses the face of the note, accompanied by an oval printer control stamp reading “DE LA RUE & CO LTD / NO VALUE.” Two punch cancellations are applied to the signature panel to ensure the note could never circulate as money while leaving the engraved composition fully visible for reference. Read more →

North Macedonia 1996 - 5000 Denari Issued Note EA5464675 Maened (Pick 19a)

Within the development sequence of the denomination, the issued banknote represents the final stage of a documented design chain. Earlier production artifacts include photographic transparency essays of the Maenad engraving and printer specimens bearing control overprints and cancellation marks. Those materials record the engraving and approval phases preceding circulation release, while the present note demonstrates the completed integration of artwork, security features, and printing technology in the final circulating format. Read more →

North Macedonia 1996 - 500 Denari Vignette Die Proof (Golden Death Mask)

Within the documented production sequence of the 1996 Macedonian banknote program, the vignette die proof represents the foundational stage of the denomination’s design chain. After approval of the engraving, photographic transparencies were created for plate preparation, followed by printer specimens bearing control overprints and cancellation marks. The final stage of the process produced the fully issued banknotes placed into circulation by the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia. Read more →

North Macedonia 1996 - 500 Denari Specimen Golden Death Mask GA0000000 No. 006 (Pick 17s)

The note displays the full set of Thomas De La Rue & Company specimen control devices. A bold red diagonal SPECIMEN overprint crosses the face of the note, accompanied by the oval printer control stamp reading “DE LA RUE & CO LTD / NO VALUE.” Two punch cancellations are applied in the signature area to prevent circulation while leaving the printed design clearly visible for inspection. These markings identify the note as a controlled reference example rather than a circulating instrument. Read more →

Honduras 1863 - 5 Pesos Treasury Bond Vale de Hacienda República Libre, Soberano e Independiente (Pick 7)

At the bottom appear the original manuscript signatures of the responsible officials: the Contador, the Tesorero General, and the Intendente. These handwritten endorsements authenticated the instrument within the decentralized fiscal administration of the Honduran government. The large central punch cancellation indicates that the certificate was ultimately redeemed through the treasury accounting process. Read more →

Scotland 1967 - British Linen Bank £1 Specimen Sorting Lines on Back (Pick 168s)

Specimen One Pound of the British Linen Bank dated 13 June 1967, printed by Thomas De La Rue. The face shows the royal arms above the title and an ornate security panel at center. Standard De La Rue SPECIMEN oval handstamps and a specimen control number are present, together with a cancellation punch. Read more →