Collection PL

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

Color trials such as this were produced to test multiple variables simultaneously, including ink density, interaction between intaglio engraving and offset background layers, and legibility under both manual inspection and machine processing. Within the Belgian Luxembourg Economic Union framework, maintaining clear denomination recognition across mixed national issues was a critical requirement, making color differentiation a key functional parameter rather than a purely aesthetic choice. Read more →

Luxembourg 1970 - 100 Francs Issued Note (Pick 56a)

The note embodies the mature stage of late twentieth-century European banknote production. The portrait of Grand Duke Jean is rendered in deep intaglio engraving, exhibiting sharp relief and controlled ink distribution, while the surrounding guilloche structures and offset underprint are precisely calibrated for both visual clarity and machine readability. The large watermark field at right integrates seamlessly into the layout, reinforcing both authentication and compositional balance. Read more →

Japan 1989 - Komori Currency Technology Intaglio Test Note Mr. Komori

Large-format intaglio test piece produced by Komori Currency Technology on genuine banknote paper. The face presents a finely engraved portrait of Mr. Komori alongside dense Asiatic floral scrolls and security guilloché intended to demonstrate line fidelity, tonal build, and plate pressure control. Test notes of this class were never meant for circulation; they functioned as printer’s showpieces and training standards for press crews, plate checkers, and clients evaluating capability. Read more →

El Salvador 1996 - 25 Colones Face Die Proof (Pick 149p)

Large-format face die proof prepared by De La Rue in 1996 for the forthcoming 25 Colones issue later released 1997–1999 (SCWPM Pick 149 and subsequent variant Pick 155). The engraving depicts the Pirámide de San Andrés archaeological complex-an emblem of national heritage-rendered in tight intaglio with wide proof margins and a blank reverse. Read more →

El Salvador 1997 - 25 Colones Issued Note (Pick 149a)

Catalogued as Pick 149a. This is the first year of the 25 Colones family whose design lineage derives from the 1996 master die proof. Early print runs are valued for their fresh plates and bold intaglio depth. Read more →

El Salvador 1998 - 25 Colones Issued Note (Pick 149b)

These mid-series notes were part of El Salvador’s last paper-money production cycle before the transition to the U.S. dollar in 2001. Known for crisp intaglio definition and consistent inking, the 1998 printing demonstrates the maturity of De La Rue’s plate maintenance process. Read more →

Poland 1940 - 10 Zlotych Printing Remnants Forgery Workshop Underprint (Miłczak 94)

Fascinating semi-finished product from a wartime forgery workshop, connected with the 10 złotych 1940 issue (Miłczak 94). The piece is printed only with the underprint of the obverse design - background guilloches and the female allegorical portrait at left - without the main face value, overprints, or full intaglio elements. Trimmed to the correct banknote format, it represents an intermediate stage in the counterfeiting process. Read more →

Brazil 1963 - Tesouro Nacional 10 Cruzeiros Issuede Note (Pick 167b)

Each note bears the inscription ESTAMPA 1A and serials specific to the 796A series, here numbered 074019. ABNC’s intaglio printing delivers crisp linework, micro-lathe engraving, and a subtle two-tone palette that became a hallmark of mid-century Brazilian design. The denomination’s typography and border symmetry demonstrate the fusion of European neoclassical balance with Latin American flourish. Read more →

Ireland - Northern 2005 - Northern Bank £50 Issued Note NR131 (Pick 208)

Issued on 11 January 2005, the note restored public confidence and re-established Northern Bank’s reputation. Its features include raised intaglio printing, microtext, color-shifting ink on the denomination, and latent imagery derived from the bank’s industrial heritage-Davidson’s portrait at right and his Sirocco Works turbine machinery at left. The purple and copper palette intentionally departed from the 2004 issue to ensure visual distinction. Read more →

Ireland - Northern 2005 - Northern Bank £50 Replacement Prefix YY (Pick 208)

Featuring the portrait of Sir Samuel Cleland Davidson (1846–1921), inventor and industrialist, the design celebrates Northern Ireland’s engineering legacy. The Sirocco Works turbine engraving appears at left, representing Davidson’s innovations in ventilation and power systems. The complex guilloche patterns, raised intaglio text, and multi-tone palette of violet and copper were devised to prevent counterfeiting and distinguish the reissued series from the compromised pre-robbery notes. 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)

At right appears the denomination's monumental Indigenous warrior portrait, engraved with the sculptural precision associated with Thomas De La Rue and Company Limited. The figure wears an elaborate 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 details, creating one of the most visually forceful portraits in Uruguay's twentieth-century banknote series. Read more →