January 26 will see Allen Berk's lifetime collection of Chinese and Asian banknotes sold in Hong Kong, kicking off a three-day numismatic and philatelic event.
The collection features more than 1,000 lots of rare Chinese, Asian and worldwide banknotes, coins and scripophily. Following the auction will be a two-day sale of Chinese stamps and postal history.
 A predecessor to the modern banknote |
Despite the collection's focus on Asian rarities, the lead item of the sale will be a 1666 issue banknote from Stockholm. Worth the value of a 10 daler silvermynt - one of Sweden's first coins - these notes were backed by low-valued Swedish copper plate money and were among the first pieces of paper money issued in the Western world.
A direct ancestor of modern banknotes, the notes were printed on paper forms in round denominations and did not specify a depositor, a deposit or an interest demand. A magnificent find, the note is expected to sell for $25,000-50,000.
 A great opportunity to own the finest example of its kind |
Also featuring is a 1912 Szechuan issue banknote from the Bank of China, which has been graded About Uncirculated 55 by PMG. The only example of its kind graded by the company and the finest of all known, it has been given a $3,000-6,000 estimate.
Like several collectibles markets, banknotes have seen a resurgence in Asia over the past few years, with Chinese examples particularly popular. In August, an Oriental Bank Corporation $5 note, which was issued in 1879, sold for $112,000.
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