Collection PL

Ireland — Northern 1968–72 — Provincial Bank of Ireland Limited £1 Specimen (Pick 245s PR99, TDLR, PMG 58 EPQ Choice About Uncirculated)

De La Rue specimen of the Provincial Bank of Ireland £1, dated 1 January 1968. Classical head within a guilloche medallion at center, with the denomination framed by large sterling symbols. SPECIMEN diagonal overprint and De La Rue control ovals confirm its archival status, accompanied by a cancellation punch and specimen serial panel. ... Read more →

New Zealand 1967 — 100 Dollars (Pick 168as, Fleming Signature, TDLR Overprint Specimen, Serial G000000009, Specimen No. 9, PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated)

The 1967 one hundred dollars specimen represents the inaugural issue of New Zealand’s decimal currency system at its highest denomination, issued during the ND (1967–1968) period under the signature of Roderick Ninian Fleming as Chief Cashier. Fleming’s tenure was limited to the opening phase of decimalization, making his signature exclusive to the earliest production window of the new monetary system. Printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, London, this specimen was prepared for formal distribution to central banks and institutional archives. ... Read more →

New Zealand 1975 — 100 Dollars (Pick 168bs, R.L. Knight Signature, TDLR Overprint Specimen, Serial G000000004, Specimen No. 004, PMG 62 Uncirculated)

The 1975 one hundred dollars specimen represents the highest denomination of New Zealand’s decimal currency series during the tenure of R.L. Knight as Chief Cashier, issued within the ND (1975–1977) period. Knight’s signature defines the third phase of the decimal era, following the Fleming and Wilks periods, and reflects a stage in which the system had transitioned from initial introduction into a fully established national currency structure. ... Read more →

New Zealand 1981 — 100 Dollars (Pick 175as, H.R. Hardie Signature, Replacement Star Serial YA000000*, Printer Annotation Specimen, PMG 55 About Uncirculated)

The 1981 one hundred dollars printer annotation specimen represents an exceptional archival-stage artifact from New Zealand’s decimal currency series, issued within the ND (1981–1985) period under the signature of H.R. Hardie as Chief Cashier. This note belongs to the later Hardie design phase, distinguished by the revised portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the mature design update that followed the earlier 1977–1981 issues. ... Read more →

New Zealand 1981 — 100 Dollars (Pick 175as, H.R. Hardie Signature, Serial YAA000000, Printer Annotation Specimen with Single Punch Hole, PMG 40 Extremely Fine)

The 1981 one hundred dollars printer annotation specimen represents a working-stage production artifact from New Zealand’s decimal currency series, issued within the ND (1981–1985) period under the signature of H.R. Hardie as Chief Cashier. This note belongs to the later Hardie design phase, identified by the revised portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the mature visual update of the series. ... Read more →

New Zealand 1981 — 100 Dollars (Pick 175as, H.R. Hardie Signature, Vertical Perforated SPECIMEN, Black Overprint, Serial YAA000000, Specimen No. 016, PMG 58 Choice About Uncirculated)

The 1981 one hundred dollars specimen represents a later-stage development in New Zealand’s decimal currency specimen formats, issued during the ND (1981–1985) period under the signature of H.R. Hardie as Chief Cashier. This note belongs to the revised Hardie design phase, distinguished by the updated portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the mature visual identity of the series. ... Read more →

New Zealand 1985 — 100 Dollars (Pick 175bs, S.T. Russell Signature, Black Overprint SPECIMEN, Dual Oval Stamps, Specimen No. 004, Serial YAC000000, PMG 58 Choice About Uncirculated)

The 1985 one hundred dollars specimen represents one of the most complex and information-rich specimen formats produced during the final paper-currency era of New Zealand, issued within the ND (1985–1989) period under the signature of S.T. Russell as Chief Cashier. This series marks the closing stage of the traditional engraved paper hundreds before the transition to polymer. ... Read more →

New Zealand 1985 — 100 Dollars (Pick 175bs, S.T. Russell Signature, Perforated SPECIMEN OF NO VALUE, Serial YAC000000, PMG 67 EPQ Superb Gem Uncirculated)

The 1985 one hundred dollars perforated specimen represents a highly specialized internal control format from the final paper-currency series of New Zealand, issued within the ND (1985–1989) period under the signature of S.T. Russell as Chief Cashier. This series marks the closing phase of engraved paper production before the transition to polymer substrates. ... Read more →

New Zealand 1992 — 100 Dollars (Pick 181s, Rutherford Design, Vertical Red SPECIMEN Overprint, Printer-Annotated TDLR Specimen, PMG 58 Choice About Uncirculated)

The 1992 one hundred dollars specimen marks the introduction of the Rutherford design and the beginning of New Zealand’s final paper currency series before the transition to polymer. Issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company, London, this note replaces the long-standing Queen Elizabeth II portrait with Lord Ernest Rutherford of Nelson, symbolizing a decisive shift toward national scientific identity within the country’s banknote iconography. This example represents a complex internal printer specimen, combining multiple control and approval features rarely encountered together on a single note. ... Read more →

United States ca. 1960s–70s – American Bank Note Company Test Note, 10 Units, Green Series of 1929 (With Watermark and Segmented Foil Security Thread, PMG 66 EPQ Gem Uncirculated)

This engraved test note by the American Bank Note Company (ABNCo) represents one of the firm’s most enduring demonstration designs, known as the 'Series of 1929' specimen. Although dated 1929, these were printed decades later—primarily in the 1960s and 1970s—as house proofs and sales samples showcasing engraving precision, watermark technology, and later innovations such as foil-thread anti-counterfeiting devices. The layout follows classic ABNCo symmetry: a central allegorical portrait of Liberty, derived from earlier U.S. ... Read more →

Spain 1857 — Banco de Zaragoza 200 Reales Vellón Serie B Issued Note No. 07958 (Pick S4532s)

A specimen of the Banco de Zaragoza 200 reales vellón dated 14 May 1857, Serie B, serial number 07958, classified as Pick S452s. This is the standard specimen format as preserved for printer archives and official reference, fully complete in its intended banknote form. The Madrid-school engraving includes the Spanish coat of arms, detailed acanthus ornaments, and formal promise text characteristic of Zaragoza's mid-19th century private-bank issues. ... Read more →

Barbados 1968 — Government of Barbados 500 Dollars Treasury Bill, Specimen, Perforated Cancelled, Prefix A

Specimen Treasury Bill issued by the Government of Barbados under the authority of the Treasury Bills (Local) Act of 1922, produced for internal reference and administrative control rather than circulation or fiscal settlement. The document carries a printed denomination of five hundred dollars and defines an obligation payable out of the Consolidated Fund at any commercial bank in Barbados or at the Treasury. The place of issue is identified as Bridgetown, confirming its role within the central administrative framework of the Barbadian state. ... Read more →