An astute reader of this blog may have noticed the recent article by my colleague Michael Moczalla about the Virginia Judge’s Collection of U.S. Currency. In it, he mentioned that the Judge also collected world paper money; now it is my turn to tell you about this wonderful and comprehensive world paper money collection that will be offered in two parts by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. The first session is open for bidding on our website now and closes September 3. The second offering will be a special online session as part of the 2024 Fall Maastricht Sale which will be held during the first week of October.
The Virginia Judge’s Collection of World Paper Money is the epitome of a collection of this kind. It was never assembled with completion as a goal; indeed, when collecting the world most people will focus on a country, a theme, or some other easily defined area. The Virginia Judge’s Collection was put together differently: it simply includes notes the collector liked, whether for their design, their color or their fancy serial number (which, as you read the earlier blogs, should not come as a surprise). As such, there are many complete sets, although some relative easily acquirable notes are missing because they simply did not appeal to the collector. Also, select countries that particularly interested the collector are covered more extensively, such as Egypt.
The lots offered in this collection can be grouped into two categories: single (graded) notes, and group lots of a common theme or country. In the group lots, you will find a wide range of notes, but many feature fancy serial numbers, so even though lots may include more available notes they are certainly worth inspecting. Our photography department has done an outstanding job photographing each and every lot to make sure that all details, including serial numbers, are clearly visible.
Select highlights from the first session of the Virginia Judge’s Collection include:
Lot 70053: BRITISH GUIANA. Government of British Guiana. 5 Dollars, 1942. P-14b. PMG Very Fine 25 EPQ.
Lot 70060: CANADA. Dominion of Canada. 5 Dollars, 1912. DC-21g. PMG Choice Uncirculated 63.
Lot 70149: EGYPT. National Bank of Egypt. 100 Pounds, 1952. P-34. PMG Choice Extremely Fine 45.
Lot 70443: SOUTH AFRICA. South African Reserve Bank. 100 Pounds, 1952. P-101a. PMG Very Fine 25.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is always accepting consignments for upcoming sales. To start the consignment process, please contact Stack’s Bowers Galleries at 800-458-4646 or email Dennis Hengeveld at Dennis@stacksbowers.com.
