PREVIEW: THE FRANK GOON COLLECTION PART THREE: 22 MARCH

As Noonans build up to a further extraordinary outing for the exceptional Frank Goon Collection of British Malayan Banknotes, we have selected another highlight dating back to the early 20th century.

A Government of the Straits Settlements, specimen S$10,000, ND (1919), it bears the serial number B/1 00000. In green and brown, with a tiger to the central cartouche and crowned head of George V above at centre, it also carries the value at low left and right.

 

The range of currency notes had been extended during George V’s reign, but only to S$1,000 and to make clearing transactions between banks easier. The first S$10,000 note was not issued until October 1922 – three years after the date of this specimen – and then only for inter-bank transfers.

It is perhaps not surprising that the Frank Goon note offered here is the only example of what is an incredible rarity to have been graded by PMG – the highest denomination of this iconic series. This sale offers what is probably the only chance to acquire this note for an extremely long time.

With an ink stain and rusty paper clip mark, but otherwise printed on entirely original and fresh paper, with mounting traces and official ink annotations, the estimate is S$90,000-100,000.