Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
Maastricht May 2023 Auction 4-5 May 2023
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BELGIAN CONGO. Banque du Congo Belge. 1000 Francs, 1920. P-12b. PMG Choice About Uncirculated 58.
The 1000 Francs was the highest denomination for the 1912-37 series of currency, and it is unheard of to come across this denomination in issued form today. Not only is this the only "b" variety available to collectors in a PMG holder, but out of all the varieties for Pick 12 (a through e), it is the only issued note graded. This note is dated November 3rd, 1920, and was issued at Kinshasa. Kinshasa is the capital of modern Democratic Republic of the Congo, but when this series of notes was issued, Boma was the capital of the Belgian Congo (Kinshasa would become capital of the Belgian Congo in 1923). Originally named Leopoldville, after King Leopold II of the Belgians, the city was established as a trading post due to its important location as the first navigable port on the Congo River above the series of rapids known as Livingstone Falls. Prior to the establishment of this port, all goods had to be sent via overland routes. Later, a railway was built to avoid navigating the treacherous rapids.
The 1000 Francs was the highest denomination for the 1912-37 series of currency, and it is unheard of to come across this denomination in issued form today. Not only is this the only "b" variety available to collectors in a PMG holder, but out of all the varieties for Pick 12 (a through e), it is the only issued note graded. This note is dated November 3rd, 1920, and was issued at Kinshasa. Kinshasa is the capital of modern Democratic Republic of the Congo, but when this series of notes was issued, Boma was the capital of the Belgian Congo (Kinshasa would become capital of the Belgian Congo in 1923). Originally named Leopoldville, after King Leopold II of the Belgians, the city was established as a trading post due to its important location as the first navigable port on the Congo River above the series of rapids known as Livingstone Falls. Prior to the establishment of this port, all goods had to be sent via overland routes. Later, a railway was built to avoid navigating the treacherous rapids.
This note is a miracle of survival, and is surely missing from even the most advanced collections of Belgian colonial currency. Ornate engravings of two allegorical figures and a child are on the obverse of the note, which appear to represent labor, art, and youth. Intricate foliage comprises the background of the design. On the right of the note there is a watermark of an elephant's head. The quality of the ink on the back of the note is simply stunning, and one could mistake this as a piece of artwork instead of a banknote. A seated woman with lyre is gazing out towards the Congo River, leaning against what appears to be a marbled post. Various birds are found throughout the design, with various produce used as the border design. The margins are broad, giving this art-like note a nice frame. Exceptional appeal, and surely this note was held for posterity and never saw actual circulation. We would not be surprised if our high estimate is met or exceeded to claim this stunning survivor. PMG Pop 1/No Others Graded.
From the Scott Lindquist Collection.
Estimate: $15000 - $25000