Collection

Argentina 1883 — Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires 2 Pesos Oro (Proof)

Superb proof engraving prepared by the American Bank Note Company for the Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, dated 19 de Enero de 1883. The design features an equestrian vignette at center symbolizing progress and vitality, flanked by portraits of Florencio Varela and Valentín Alsina, two influential figures in Argentina’s political and intellectual life. Printed directly from ABNC master plates in black ink on thin India paper and mounted on card stock, this piece confirms its pre-issue proof status. ... Read more →

Ireland 1920 — Ulster Bank Ltd. £1 (Proof)

Archival proof for Ulster Bank Ltd., dated 1920. Printed by Waterlow & Sons, London, the note displays finely executed allegories and maritime motifs, reflecting both classical design and national symbolism in the early 20th century. The Waterlow imprint remains visible in the margin, a hallmark of genuine proofs. ... Read more →

Luxembourg ND (1982) — 1000 Francs (Proof, Pick 52Bp)

Large-margined plate proof of the unissued 1000 Francs, capturing Bradbury Wilkinson’s line work before color separation. On thick archival stock, the engraving reads like a topographic map—each ridge a micro-decision of burin pressure. PMG 55 EPQ Top Pop 1/1. ... Read more →

Luxembourg ND (1982) — 500 Francs (Proof, Pick 52Ap)

Engraver’s proof for the 500 Francs of 1982, wide-margined and printed on heavy archival paper to expose every nuance of line weight before color overlays. Under magnification the burin work shows the transitional style of late BWC engraving—mechanically assisted but still hand-finished. PMG 66 EPQ Top Pop 1/1. ... Read more →

Mauritius ND (1940) — 1 Rupee Uncut Pair (Remainder, Pick 26r1)

Uncut pair of 1 Rupee remainder notes from the Government of Mauritius, ND (1940). Catalogued as Pick 26r1. Two vertically aligned notes with punch cancels, printed in green and rose with portrait at right and coat of arms at left. ... Read more →

El Salvador 1996 — 25 Colones (Face Die Proof)

Large-format face die proof prepared in 1996 for the upcoming 25 Colones issue printed by De La Rue. The engraving shows the 'Pirámide de San Andrés' archaeological site, one of El Salvador’s most recognizable national symbols. This proof represents the finalized master plate used for the 1997–1999 circulation notes later catalogued as Pick 149 and Pick 155. ... Read more →

New Zealand 1934 — 10 Shillings (Photographic Face Proof, Pick 154p)

Archival photographic face proof of the 1934 10 Shillings, engraved for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Features kiwi bird vignette, Maori warrior portrait with full moko, and the national coat of arms. Perforated cancellation across the design confirms non-circulating archival status. ... Read more →

Italy 1871 — Germania with Shield and Spear, Vignette Die Proof (Used for 500 Lire, PS977)

Engraved vignette die proof titled 'Germania with Shield and Spear,' executed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., London, for the Banca Italo-Germanica circa 1871. The intaglio engraving portrays the female personification of Germany—Germania—standing armed with shield and spear, crowned with laurel, and rendered in the romantic classical style characteristic of early Bradbury Wilkinson export work. The surrounding cartouche bears the inscription 'BANCA ITALO-GERMANICA' and the denomination 500, indicating its later integration into the 500 Lire proof (PS977). ... Read more →

United States 1830s — Pennsylvania, Philadelphia — Penn Township Savings Institution 10 Cents Proof (Unlisted)

Engraved proof note for the Penn Township Savings Institution of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dating to the 1830s. This fractional-denomination certificate represents one of the earliest savings deposit proofs, promising repayment of ten cents with interest at 2% per annum. The ornate intaglio design includes large '10' denomination counters and paired portraits of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania. ... Read more →

Poland 1994 — 50 Złotych Front Proof (Pick 175ap1, PMG 63 Choice Uncirculated, Top Pop)

Original front design proof of the 1994 Poland 50 Złotych issue, engraved and printed by Thomas De La Rue. Certified by PMG as Pick 175ap1, this front proof was produced for internal approval prior to full-scale printing. It shows the final obverse layout of the issued note, featuring King Kazimierz III Wielki (Casimir the Great), Poland’s 14th-century monarch credited with codifying national law and founding the University of Kraków. ... Read more →