Watch List notes:

ZANZIBAR. The Zanzibar Government. 5 Rupees, 1908. P-2. PCGS Very Fine 35.
This tiny area is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Microlithic tools have proven that Zanzibar has been home to humans for over 20,000 years. Zanzibar was formally under control by the Portuguese Empire during the exploration age, then the Sultanate of Oman, later the British Empire, then ruled as a constitutional monarchy under Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah before the Zanzibar Revolution. However, it currently governs itself and is made up of the Revolutionary Council and House of Representatives.

You do not need to know the entire history of Zanzibar to know how rare and special banknotes from the region are. The country was a trading point between the surrounding continents for many different imports and exports ranging from spices to slave trafficking. Zanzibar did not print its own money until 1908. Denominations released were 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Rupees. Of the notes printed from 1908 to 1928, only around 500 are known to have survived. Fast forward nearly 100 years later, it is certain that number has decreased significantly.

We are fortunate enough to offer a very rare, first issue, 5 Rupees banknote. Of all the known uncancelled issued examples of this type, this is the finest known. This beautiful note is seen with its very detailed ornate design on the front. A dhow, a lateen-rigged ship with one or two masts frequently used in the Indian Ocean, with a sun on the horizon is seen at left. Farmers seen at a fruit harvest at right. The note is a uniface and therefor has a blank reverse side. A guilloche border outlines the design and contains "5" counters in each corner to signify the denomination. Some very minor toning typical for the grade is seen and mentioned merely for accuracy.

PCGS Very Fine 35.

Estimate: $50000.00- $75000.00