A record-breaking sale is anticipated for Australia’s first banknote, which will be available for private sale next month.
Issued on May 1, 1913, in Melbourne, the 10 shilling note was presented in front of prime minister Andrew Fisher and governor-general Lord Denman.
Hand-numbered by Judith Denman, the governor-general’s five-year-old daughter, the note carries the serial number M000001.
Discovered in a book in England in 1999, it was found nearly 12 years after the passing of Ms. Denman.
In 2008, the note changed hands for just under $2 million, marking the highest price ever paid for an Australian banknote or coin.
According to Belinda Downie, the chief executive officer of Coinworks, expectations are set for this note to fetch at least $3.5 million this time.
“It is unique,” she expressed.
“It stands as one of our most significant pieces.
“Although it’s a banknote, I see it as a vital artifact of Australiana.
“It truly symbolizes a moment in Australian history that we can all take immense pride in.”
One of the fortunate individuals who has had the chance to closely examine this remarkable piece of Australian history, Paul Hannaford from International Gallery Auctions, facilitated the note’s sale for the second time in 2008.
“The banknote achieved a record sale price of $1.909 million, setting a standard not just for any Australian numismatic item worldwide, but also for anything that has been sold in Australia,” he remarked.
This notable note will be showcased at the World Stamp Expo later this month, presented in a hand-crafted wooden box valued at $10,000.
It’s estimated that only around 20 of the 10 shilling notes are still in circulation.
