BRITISH AND IRISH BANKNOTES: 13 MARCH

Redemption banknotes were in circulation in Ireland as early as the 17th century but a national issue of standardised notes did not come about until 1783 from the Bank of Ireland, with notes issued in Irish pounds or guineas.

Just over 50 years later, the Bank of Ireland issued a £1 note in Dublin and Westport. Dated 7 May 1838, an example in this sale with the serial number A/G 51541 is expected to fetch £5,000-7,000.

It has a manuscript signature for Brett at low centre, and comes with pinholes, the original paper with a clear watermark. This note was part of the new series issued from 1838, depicting statues of Hibernia at left and right and a row of 21 classical heads of Medusa across the top. The design changed little over the ensuing decades. In overall fine condition this is an extremely rare note, particularly the Westport type.

Expected to raise even more, with an estimate of £8,000-10,000, is a Provincial Bank of Ireland Ltd, £20, dated 20 October 1904, with the serial number 551. In blue, with Britannia and Hibernia top centre and the manuscript signature low right, it has minor pinholes and is a very pleasing good fine note – believed to be the only example extant for an issued £20 of this type.

Two rare Bank of Ireland notes from the Currency Commission also feature. Both are colour trials – one for £100, the other for £50 – and dated 5 September 1978 (with the fictitious date, 1929). Each has the serial number 00ZK 000000 and the Brennan and Gargan signatures, as well as the red SPECIMEN overprint. The £100 is in green and the £50 in blue. The guides are £7,000-9,000 and £5,000-7,000 respectively.