Spink is carrying out a banknote auction on December 10.

Of the 701 lots on offer, two of the highest priced lots are naturally presentation albums:

Firstly, a green album marked 'Koninkrijk der Nederlanden - Muntbiljeten 1878-1904' in gold lettering contains a variety of 10 and 50 gulden proofs from that date range and is estimated to sell for £12,000-14,000.

The second, in green and black leather titled in gold, concentrates on the proofs of the 1, 2 ½ and 5 Gulden notes and includes one completed design sheet for each denomination. The album also contains 5 sheets of stage proofs for the 1 gulden, 4 sheets for the 2 1/2 gulden and 3 sheets for the 5 gulden.

This fascinating, if extremely specialised, piece is expected to go under the hammer for around £10,000-15,000.

Of the individual notes on offer however, perhaps three above all stand out:

An early £5 note (serial number 0397) issued by the Bahamas government in 1869 is listed at £5,000-7,000. The black text on pale pink piece is a very rare example and has a very pleasing look.

100 Peseta colour trial

A colour trial of a 1938 100 peseta note from the Bank of Spain has serial number 0000000 and a portrait of Dame of Elche on a yellowish brown background. The almost uncirculated note is very attractive, and hence estimated at £6,000-7,000.

The most intriguing of all, however, is a 300 gulden replacement note printed in 1927 which depicts a seated maiden. The note, estimated at up to £16,000, may be the only one of its kind and, with the exception of a very small split, is in very fine condition.

1927 300 Gulden banknote

With an exciting range of lots to interest anyone drawn to the growing field of banknote collecting, the auction will take place in London.