This August, a highly graded 1935 Series $100 banknote crossed the block as the top-earning lot of Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ latest world currency auction.
The note, certified as Gem Uncirculated-67 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) by the thi Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), originated from the Mid-Continent Collection. It’s tied with just one other example for the highest grade for the issue, of which 87,500 notes were printed.
“While we conservatively estimate the note, we imagine there is far too much interest in this type to allow the note to slip away without a heavily contested battle,” auctioneers said before the sale.
It brought $40,800 US (about $55,300 Cdn.) to hit its estimate as Lot 40216.
A 1935 $25 commemorative note, one of the two finest known examples, reached about $34,000 as Lot 40213.
MORE CANADIAN HIGHLIGHTS
Other Canadian rarities drew top dollar in the 579-lot Stack’s sale on Aug. 14-15.
One of the two finest known 1935 $25 commemorative notes – also issued that year to commemorate King George V’s silver jubilee – crossed the block as Lot 40213.
Among the 185 Canadian notes offered in the Aug. 14-15 sale, a 1937 Series low-serial-number $1,000 note sold for about $32,500 as Lot 40228.
“This note is Top Pop at PCGS Banknote, and a quick glance at PMG’s population report shows they have graded one at this level with none finer,” according to auctioneers. “The margins are wide and even, giving this note a nice frame. The underprints are stunning in dark purple ink, and contrast nicely against the jet black primary design and red serial numbers.”
It realized $25,200 US (about $34,000 Cdn.) in Gem Uncirculated-66 from PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) Banknote.
Lastly, a 1937 Series $1,000 note with a low serial number of “0000104” and a grade of Gem Uncirculated-66 from PMG reached $24,000 US (about $32,500 Cdn.) as Lot 40228.
Altogether, the sale offered 185 Canadian notes, including four issues from Newfoundland.