World Banknote Auctions
Sale 44 8,11 Jun 2023
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Persia ND (1890-1923) P-8s PMG Extremely Fine 40 100 Tomans (Specimen)
As we get to the two largest denominations of this series the sizes of these notes become truly impressive and beautiful. This is a pleasing specimen example of the 100 Tomans. While it lacks the signatures or place of issue, a handwritten annotation dates it to one of the final print runs of this iconic series, in 1919. Fantastic color is seen on this example, which, despite having graded Extremely Fine by PMG, faces up much better. Issued notes of this denomination, not surprisingly, are extremely rare, and demand for specimens is always high. The Qajar series is among the most desirable of all World Banknotes, and opportunities seldom arise where an advanced collector can acquire not just one but virtually all denominations in a single sale. This first series, like the second that followed it, features the portrait of Naser al-Din Shah on the front, even after the Qajar dynasty had ended. Michael E. Bonine states that preparations to replace the late Shah's image were in progress, but that by the time the second series was introduced, they were not yet finalized. After the overthrow of the Qajar dynasty and the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty, the Imperial Bank of Persia would eventually be disbanded, and today all we have are these two series. Thankfully for collectors the printing firm of Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. produced specimens such as this, as otherwise much of this series (except the lowest denomination) would be out of reach for virtually all collectors. PMG mentions "Printer's annotations; previously mounted".
PMG Population in 40: 1 (8 Finer)
As we get to the two largest denominations of this series the sizes of these notes become truly impressive and beautiful. This is a pleasing specimen example of the 100 Tomans. While it lacks the signatures or place of issue, a handwritten annotation dates it to one of the final print runs of this iconic series, in 1919. Fantastic color is seen on this example, which, despite having graded Extremely Fine by PMG, faces up much better. Issued notes of this denomination, not surprisingly, are extremely rare, and demand for specimens is always high. The Qajar series is among the most desirable of all World Banknotes, and opportunities seldom arise where an advanced collector can acquire not just one but virtually all denominations in a single sale. This first series, like the second that followed it, features the portrait of Naser al-Din Shah on the front, even after the Qajar dynasty had ended. Michael E. Bonine states that preparations to replace the late Shah's image were in progress, but that by the time the second series was introduced, they were not yet finalized. After the overthrow of the Qajar dynasty and the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty, the Imperial Bank of Persia would eventually be disbanded, and today all we have are these two series. Thankfully for collectors the printing firm of Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. produced specimens such as this, as otherwise much of this series (except the lowest denomination) would be out of reach for virtually all collectors. PMG mentions "Printer's annotations; previously mounted".
PMG Population in 40: 1 (8 Finer)