Watch List notes:

ZANZIBAR. The Zanzibar Government. 5 Rupees, 1908-28. P-2. PMG Choice Fine 15 Net. Repaired, Reconstructed.
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 initially 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, 1916 issue, 5 Rupees banknote. This scarce note is seen with its very detailed design on the front. A dhow, a lateen-rigged ship, and 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 though this particular example has some life to it and features some annotations and a stamp we believe may be from a Gujarati shoemaker. A guilloche border outlines the design and contains "5" counters in each corner to signify the denomination. PMG comments "Repaired, Reconstructed." These comments are noted for the center which has seen handling, possibly from the cobbler.

Estimate: $25000 - $27000