Collection PL

Libya 1971 — Central Bank of Libya 10 Dinars Specimen (Omar al-Mukhtar Portrait, Pick 37s)

This specimen represents the official pre-issue specimen of the Central Bank of Libya 10 Dinars note introduced in 1971, the first high-denomination issue of the Libyan Arab Republic following the abolition of the monarchy. Bearing the red SPECIMEN overprint and zero control serials, the note documents the final approved design state immediately before full circulation printing commenced. Specimen banknotes occupy a distinct position within the currency production and distribution process. ... 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. The 1963 series was produced near the end of Brazil’s first Cruzeiro era, when inflation prompted increasingly higher denominations. ... Read more →

Brazil 1963 — 5 Cruzeiros Specimen (Pick 176bs)

Thomas De La Rue specimen of the 5 Cruzeiros denomination, showing red SPECIMEN overprint, circular punch cancels, and zero serials. Certified PMG 67 EPQ Superb Gem Uncirculated and noted Top Pop, this piece demonstrates the exceptional condition of De La Rue’s retained production samples. The 5 Cruzeiros was the entry-level note in the 1963 issue, combining classic British engraving motifs—crisp guilloche, strong vignette framing, and color separation—with Brazilian iconography. ... Read more →

Brazil 1963 — 100 Cruzeiros Specimen (Pick 180s)

Specimen of the 100 Cruzeiros printed by Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd., marked by a red SPECIMEN overprint, punch cancels, and De La Rue control ovals at the margin. Identified as Estampa 2A / Série 216A, this note typifies the elegant late-period Cruzeiro designs that bridged classic British engraving with emerging modernist trends in Brazilian note art. ... Read more →

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

Specimen of the 1982 one thousand francs issue of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, representing the highest denomination prepared within this short-lived contingency series featuring Grand Duchess Charlotte. As the apex denomination, the 1000 Francs defines the full technical and visual ambition of the issue, combining the most complex engraving, the highest value tier, and the most advanced security layout of the set. This example carries serial number A000000 094, presented in the standard specimen format with dual serial placement at left and right. ... Read more →

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

Color trial specimen of the 1982 one thousand francs issue of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, representing the experimental color phase of the highest denomination prepared within this contingency series. As the top denomination, the 1000 Francs carries the full complexity of the design system, and in color trial form, it exposes the decision layer behind the final adopted palette. This example carries serial number A000000 13 in standard specimen format, with duplicated placement at left and right. ... Read more →

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

Specimen of the 1982 five hundred francs issue of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, forming the structural backbone denomination within the unissued contingency series. While the 1000 Francs defines the apex, the 500 Francs represents the operational core of the intended circulation system, designed for real transactional use had the issue been released. This example carries serial number A000000 096, presented in standard specimen format with duplicated placement at left and right. ... 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. The punch hole cancellation serves as the primary method of invalidation, physically rendering the note non-circulating while preserving the full design. ... Read more →

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

Color trial specimen of the 1970 one hundred francs issue of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, produced during the development phase of the Grand Duke Jean series. This example is executed in an alternative blue-toned palette rather than the green coloration adopted for circulation, representing a controlled press trial used to evaluate tonal hierarchy, engraving clarity, and denomination contrast. The note carries serial number A000000 33, applied within the standard specimen numbering format. ... Read more →

El Salvador 1997 — 25 Colones Specimen (Pick 149as)

Official specimen of the 1997 25 Colones issue printed by De La Rue, catalogued as Pick 149as. Features red diagonal SPECIMEN overprint, oval control stamps, and circular perforation cancels. Specimens like this were distributed to issuing authorities, printers, and security archives for reference. ... Read more →

El Salvador 1999 — 25 Colones Specimen (Pick 155s)

Specimen note of the 1999 25 Colones issue, catalogued as Pick 155s. Printed by De La Rue with diagonal red SPECIMEN overprint, perforation cancels, and control stamps. This specimen represents the terminal proof stage of the 25 Colones before the introduction of the U.S. ... Read more →

Ireland — Northern 2004 — Northern Bank £50 Specimen NR126 (Pick Unlisted)

Specimen of the 2004 Northern Bank £50, printed by De La Rue for Northern Bank Limited, Belfast. This pre-issue design was the last note prepared before the bank’s December 2004 robbery, the largest cash theft in UK history. The note carries the red SPECIMEN overprint and the oval NO VALUE control stamps, serial DA000000 001, and watermark of Sir Samuel C. ... Read more →