Spink Auction Features Rare Sarawak Specimen Graded by PMG

A rare Sarawak Specimen certified by Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) is the top lot in an upcoming Spink auction. Bidding is already underway for the sale of A Collection of South East Asian Coins and Banknotes Part II, which will be held on November 6, 2021.

Sarawak 5 Dollars Specimen graded PMG 58 Choice About Unc. Click images to enlarge.

Located on the island of Borneo in modern-day Malaysia, Sarawak was ruled for a century by White Rajahs of English heritage. The last of these White Rajahs was Charles Vyner Brooke, who was faced with the enormous costs of rebuilding after World War II and decided instead to cede Sarawak to Great Britain in 1946.

This Sarawak 5 Dollars Specimen graded PMG 58 Choice About Unc (lot 282) was prepared by Allied forces late in World War II, according to Spink. As they dislodged Japanese occupiers in the Pacific, the Allies wanted to make sure they had a currency ready to ensure a smooth transition. However, this specimen was never issued and the Sarawak Dollar was instead replaced by the Malaya and British Borneo Dollar a few years later.

This note has an estimate of HK$530,000 to HK$950,000 (about $68,000 to $122,000 USD). It also includes documentation relating to its interesting history.

The auction also features another great paper money rarity from Asia: a Hong Kong, China Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China ND (1912) 50 Dollars (lot 115). Graded PMG 58 Choice About Unc, this note has an estimate of HK$320,000 to HK$500,000 (about $44,000 to $64,000 USD).

Hong Kong, China Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China ND (1912) 50 Dollars graded PMG 58 Choice About Unc.

All estimates are provided by the auction house.