April 2026 Hong Kong Auction 17-18 Apr 2026
Session A begins closing in
5 days 20 hr 1 min
5 days 20 hr 1 min
Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
April 2026 Hong Kong Auction 17-18 Apr 2026
April 2026 Hong Kong Auction 17-18 Apr 2026
Bid live online
Find similar lots
- The Holy Grail of Hong Kong Banknotes
HONG KONG (SAR). Mercantile Bank of India Limited. 50 Dollars, 1.5.1924. P-238. KNB14b. PMG Very Fine 30.
Phenomenally Rare and Tantalising 'Banana Boat' $50 of 1924.
A finely designed note with a curved vignette of Jiao Mountain, Zhenjiang, in the style of Chinnery, giving rise to its nickname 'Banana Boat' on the obverse and Mercury with a winged helmet on the reverse. A faint, but still discernible, hand-signed signature is found on the lower left, and a printed signature of the Manager is located on the lower right.
The note retains good appeal, without any major problems such as gross structural defects, extensive annotations, or repairs. PMG notes very minor tears, which do not extend into the design, and lightened stains, which are not usually considered major problems.
A key and important note for the serious collector of Hong Kong banknotes, and one that is missing in many major collections. The last time a similar piece was offered was in April 2018, when a piece in choice very fine was sold for HKD$1,140,000 (approximately USD145,000), including the Buyer's Premium. PMG Comments "Tears, Stains Lightened."
Estimate: 80000 - 120000
HONG KONG (SAR). Mercantile Bank of India Limited. 50 Dollars, 1.5.1924. P-238. KNB14b. PMG Very Fine 30.
Phenomenally Rare and Tantalising 'Banana Boat' $50 of 1924.
A finely designed note with a curved vignette of Jiao Mountain, Zhenjiang, in the style of Chinnery, giving rise to its nickname 'Banana Boat' on the obverse and Mercury with a winged helmet on the reverse. A faint, but still discernible, hand-signed signature is found on the lower left, and a printed signature of the Manager is located on the lower right.
The note retains good appeal, without any major problems such as gross structural defects, extensive annotations, or repairs. PMG notes very minor tears, which do not extend into the design, and lightened stains, which are not usually considered major problems.
A key and important note for the serious collector of Hong Kong banknotes, and one that is missing in many major collections. The last time a similar piece was offered was in April 2018, when a piece in choice very fine was sold for HKD$1,140,000 (approximately USD145,000), including the Buyer's Premium. PMG Comments "Tears, Stains Lightened."
Estimate: 80000 - 120000