The Frank Goon Reference Collection of British Malayan Banknotes

Government of the Straits Settlements, a printer’s test proof for the obverse of a proposed issue of 1898, ND (ca 1898), no serial numbers, left half of note blue and green, arms at top centre, value in violet low centre, right half of note faded to lighter blue and yellow, officially split and rejoined, in PMG holder 55, about uncirculated, extremely rare and unusual
BNB B107pm, Pick 4pm, KNB 7pm S$5,000-S$7,000

This item has been graded by PMG and has been awarded grade 55, about uncirculated.

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This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Frank Goon Reference Collection of British Malayan Banknotes.

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PMG incorrectly describes this as a printer’s model when it is in fact a test piece, with the right half having been removed, tested, usually for durability of paper or ink - maybe with chemicals, damp or sunlight - and reattached. Bradbury Wilkinson performed many tests of this kind in the early 20th century, particularly on notes destined for issue in climates where paper was likely to suffer, such as British Malaya. In this case, the right side of the note is slightly faded and shrunken, but still legible and strong, meaning it was likely deemed acceptable for use.