These days, rarities sprout at NYINC sales like mushrooms after autumn rain. For collectors of sought-after Asian rarities, Stack’s Bowers world paper sale on Jan. 11-12 demands their attention. Two different historic Straits Settlements $100s will be on offer. Both feature King George V along with that wonderful prowling tiger vignette.
Very rare Straits Settlements $100 of 7 March 1916, P-5, to be offered by Stack’s Bowers at their NYINC sale in January in PMG-20 Very Fine NET. (Image courtesy Stack’s Bowers)
First up is an example of P-5. It bears the first date of issue for this series: 7 March 1916. Graded PMG-20 Very Fine NET, it is stained, and although a little jagged around the edges, all pertinent detail is present. Unpriced in the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money in any condition, it is just the second time Stack’s Bowers have handled this note. It will carry an estimate of $20,000-25,000.
Scarce Straits Settlements $100 of 24 September 1925, P-13, that comes graded PMG-30 Very Fine NET. (Image courtesy Stack’s Bowers)
Second is a $100 from the 1925-30 issue, P-13. Its 24 September 1925 date is the first of the series. The design is closely similar to the P-5 note but in larger format. Watermarks of elephants are apparent at left and right. In PMG-30 Very Fine NET, it has a few small areas of rust on the back and is noted as being Retouched. Its estimate is $20,000-30,000.
Full catalog and bidding details are available at the Stack’s Bowers website: www.stacksbowers.com.