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Sale 29 4,7 Aug 2022
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Iraq (1942) P-17a PCGS Choice UNC 64 1/2 Dinar
Amazing condition-rarity of Iconic Issue
Lord Kennet - Ata Amin signature combination. This lot represents the first time this type and denomination, with portrait of young ("Baby") King Faisal II at right, has been offered in uncirculated condition at public auction. Dated 1931 but first issued in July of 1942, this type was printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. in England. Extensively used in circulation, most examples of this denomination are seen in well-used condition, but even in lower grades it is a very popular type. This is a rare (if not unique) exception, with original embossing (particularly on the serial numbers) and fresh paper easily seen in the PCGS holder. The corners remain sharp, and the colors are vibrant, as one would expect for a note in this grade.
While most attention goes to the India prints of this denomination, the condition rarity of the present offering should not be underestimated. This is the only uncirculated example graded by PCGS, while the finest in the PMG population report is a single AU-55. A few more AU's of the second signature variety have also been graded by PMG, but this remains a very rare note even in AU. The 1/4 Dinar of this era is sometimes seen in higher grades (we have offered a choice uncirculated example before) and the 1 Dinar is sometimes found in AU or even uncirculated grades, but the 1/2 Dinar has remained elusive in uncirculated condition until now.
A note of this caliber does not appear often in the market, and it is certainly a fantastic offering. Some very minor toning is noted in the margins (it is really a stretch to even call it toning) and is perhaps the reason PCGS did not award it the "PPQ" designation, but it is really a very minor remark. If one were to look for other criticism we must note a very small corner fold in the bottom right corner, mostly visible from the back, that does not touch the design. These are really just trivial notations that do not distract from the overall quality of this offering. Amazing opportunity for the Middle Eastern specialist and one that will help push the collection of one lucky collector to the next level.
PCGS Population in 64: 1 (0 Finer)
Amazing condition-rarity of Iconic Issue
Lord Kennet - Ata Amin signature combination. This lot represents the first time this type and denomination, with portrait of young ("Baby") King Faisal II at right, has been offered in uncirculated condition at public auction. Dated 1931 but first issued in July of 1942, this type was printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. in England. Extensively used in circulation, most examples of this denomination are seen in well-used condition, but even in lower grades it is a very popular type. This is a rare (if not unique) exception, with original embossing (particularly on the serial numbers) and fresh paper easily seen in the PCGS holder. The corners remain sharp, and the colors are vibrant, as one would expect for a note in this grade.
While most attention goes to the India prints of this denomination, the condition rarity of the present offering should not be underestimated. This is the only uncirculated example graded by PCGS, while the finest in the PMG population report is a single AU-55. A few more AU's of the second signature variety have also been graded by PMG, but this remains a very rare note even in AU. The 1/4 Dinar of this era is sometimes seen in higher grades (we have offered a choice uncirculated example before) and the 1 Dinar is sometimes found in AU or even uncirculated grades, but the 1/2 Dinar has remained elusive in uncirculated condition until now.
A note of this caliber does not appear often in the market, and it is certainly a fantastic offering. Some very minor toning is noted in the margins (it is really a stretch to even call it toning) and is perhaps the reason PCGS did not award it the "PPQ" designation, but it is really a very minor remark. If one were to look for other criticism we must note a very small corner fold in the bottom right corner, mostly visible from the back, that does not touch the design. These are really just trivial notations that do not distract from the overall quality of this offering. Amazing opportunity for the Middle Eastern specialist and one that will help push the collection of one lucky collector to the next level.
PCGS Population in 64: 1 (0 Finer)