Heritage World Coin Auctions
Paper Money Signature Sale 4043 9 May 2023
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Serial Number 1 Bermuda Bermuda Government 5 Pounds 1.8.1941 Pick 12 PMG Choice About Unc 58. Bermuda's brown Five Pound note is the undisputed rarity in the King George VI portrait series. Only 45,000 notes were issued before the color theme was changed to orange. Apparently, the brown tones of this denomination were too similar to that of the 5 Shillings note. Bermuda paper money enthusiastic and expert Nelson Page Aspen wrote in 1980 that the color of this note "caused much confusion in business at night, as many Bermudians tell a story that some shoppers would proudly display the brown five pound note while making purchases; however, at the end of the purchase, they would present the 5 shillings note to the unsuspecting clerk, who would in turn give them change for the higher denomination." The public complained, and a new shipment of notes featuring orange designs were delivered in 1943. At the time of cataloging, this scarce note is the second finest of the three notes currently graded in the PMG Population Report. Lastly and most importantly, this note is highlighted by having the very first serial number for the type: A000001. An exceptional note in all respects and a key note for Bermuda, the British Commonwealth, and for North America. Ex David Saul collection lot 39, sold in 2013 for £38,000. From the Ibrahim Salem Collection HID08706262019 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved https://currency.ha.com/itm/world-currency/serial-number-1-bermuda-bermuda-government-5-pounds-181941-pick-12-pmg-choice-about-unc-58/a/4043-28035.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchivesCurrency-WorldPaperMoney-4043-05092023 HID08706262019 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD
Serial Number 1 Bermuda Bermuda Government 5 Pounds 1.8.1941 Pick 12 PMG Choice About Unc 58. Bermuda's brown Five Pound note is the undisputed rarity in the King George VI portrait series. Only 45,000 notes were issued before the color theme was changed to orange. Apparently, the brown tones of this denomination were too similar to that of the 5 Shillings note. Bermuda paper money enthusiastic and expert Nelson Page Aspen wrote in 1980 that the color of this note "caused much confusion in business at night, as many Bermudians tell a story that some shoppers would proudly display the brown five pound note while making purchases; however, at the end of the purchase, they would present the 5 shillings note to the unsuspecting clerk, who would in turn give them change for the higher denomination." The public complained, and a new shipment of notes featuring orange designs were delivered in 1943. At the time of cataloging, this scarce note is the second finest of the three notes currently graded in the PMG Population Report. Lastly and most importantly, this note is highlighted by having the very first serial number for the type: A000001. An exceptional note in all respects and a key note for Bermuda, the British Commonwealth, and for North America. Ex David Saul collection lot 39, sold in 2013 for £38,000. From the Ibrahim Salem Collection HID08706262019 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved https://currency.ha.com/itm/world-currency/serial-number-1-bermuda-bermuda-government-5-pounds-181941-pick-12-pmg-choice-about-unc-58/a/4043-28035.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchivesCurrency-WorldPaperMoney-4043-05092023 HID08706262019 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD