Collection PL

North Macedonia 1996 - 500 Denari Issued Note GB2531560 Golden Death Mask (Pick 17a)

Additional security devices integrated into the note include the Golden Mask watermark embedded within the paper, a metallic security thread, microtext inscriptions, see-through register alignment elements, and dense guilloche patterns designed to resist photographic or digital reproduction. Together these components form a layered defense system characteristic of modern banknote engineering. Read more →

North Macedonia 2003 - 500 Denari Issued Note DA8148021 Golden Death Mask (Pick 21a)

At the center of the design remains the Golden Mask motif derived from the funerary mask discovered at the archaeological site of Trebeništa near Ohrid, dating to the 6th century BCE. The mask is one of the most recognizable artifacts of ancient Macedonian culture and was selected as the defining visual element of the denomination. Its sculptural form translates effectively into engraved linework and serves both as the principal vignette and as the basis for the watermark embedded within the banknote paper. Read more →

New South Wales 1865 - Embossed 'ONE HALF PERCENT' Stamp Duty Fiscal Proof Specimen

The proof is printed on watermarked paper manufactured by Cowan & Sons, one of the principal British suppliers of high-grade security paper during the nineteenth century. Such paper stocks were widely used for government revenue instruments and later for colonial banknotes. The presence of Cowan paper reflects the integration of New South Wales fiscal printing into the broader British security printing industry. Read more →

Poland 1988 - 50 Zlotych Prefix HK Issued Note (Pick 142c)

The obverse presents the portrait of General Karol Świerczewski, a military figure associated with the communist period of Polish history. His portrait is rendered in detailed intaglio engraving and surrounded by a complex network of offset guilloche patterns designed both for aesthetic balance and security. The large open watermark field at left contains the 'Eagle Arms' watermark, a stylized representation of Poland’s national emblem embedded into the paper during manufacture. Read more →

Poland 1994 - 50 Zlotych Serial HC7367738 PMG 70 EPQ Star Issued Note (Pick 175a)

Issued 50 Zlotych circulation note from the 1994 Polish series, dated 25 March 1994 and issued as part of the post-redenomination currency introduced in 1995. The design by Andrzej Heidrich features King Kazimierz III Wielki, the Polish eagle, layered guilloche structures, denomination panels, and the King Kazimierz III watermark. Read more →

France 1793 - Domaines Nationaux Assignat 10 Sous Block 305, Watermark RF/Xs (Pick A68b)

Technical features include the 1793 date line (Loi du 23 Mai 1793), 'Série 305' (Block 305), the manuscript signature 'Guyon', and a dedicated watermark reading 'RF' above the denomination-here 'Xs' for 10 sous (one sous = one sol; 20 sols = 1 livre). The combination of watermark, embossing, and legal threats reflects the regime’s push to deter pervasive counterfeiting. Read more →

France 1793 - Domaines Nationaux Assignat 50 Sols Série 681 Watermark RF/50s (Pick A70b)

Design details include 'Loi du 23 Mai 1793', 'Série 681', the manuscript signature 'Fausny', an impressed state seal (timbre sec), and a purpose‑made watermark 'RF/50s'. The border retains the period anti‑counterfeiting warnings promising death to forgers and reward to informers-legal theater that doubled as a security feature. Read more →

Scotland 1959 - National Commercial Bank of Scotland Limited £1 (Pick 265)

One Pound of the National Commercial Bank of Scotland Limited dated 16 September 1959. Printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson and Company, the note carries the Head of Caledonia watermark and presents a panoramic view of the Forth Bridge-Scotland's engineering icon-beneath the central promise text. Read more →

New Zealand 1967 - 100 Dollars Fleming Signature TDLR Overprint Specimen No. 9 Serial G000000009 (Pick 168as)

The design introduced the decimal series layout, featuring Queen Elizabeth II in engraved portrait form on the obverse and the Captain James Cook watermark embedded within the paper. As the highest denomination of the inaugural issue, the one hundred dollars note was intended primarily for institutional and reserve-level use, rather than general circulation, reflecting its role within the upper tier of the monetary system. Read more →

New Zealand 1967 - 100 Dollars Fleming Signature Perforated SPECIMEN OF NO VALUE Serial G000000 (Pick 168as)

The design follows the decimal layout introduced in 1967, featuring Queen Elizabeth II in engraved portrait form on the obverse and the Captain James Cook watermark embedded within the paper. As the highest denomination of the inaugural series, the one hundred dollars note was intended primarily for institutional and reserve functions, reflecting its position within the upper tier of the monetary structure. Read more →

New Zealand 1975 - 100 Dollars R.L. Knight Signature TDLR Overprint Specimen No. 004 Serial G000000004 (Pick 168bs)

The design follows the decimal layout introduced in 1967, featuring Queen Elizabeth II in engraved portrait form on the obverse, paired with the Captain James Cook watermark embedded within the paper. As the highest denomination of the series, the one hundred dollars note was primarily intended for institutional and reserve functions rather than everyday circulation, reinforcing its role within the upper tier of the monetary system. Read more →

New Zealand 1975 - 100 Dollars R.L. Knight Signature Perforated SPECIMEN OF NO VALUE Serial G000000000 (Pick 168bs)

The design follows the decimal series layout introduced in 1967, featuring Queen Elizabeth II in engraved portrait form on the obverse and the Captain James Cook watermark embedded within the paper. As the highest denomination, the one hundred dollars note functioned primarily within institutional and reserve contexts rather than everyday circulation. Read more →