ColonialCoinsUK

Very good question . The position of the cut through the vertical 'Banco Colombiano' does vary suggesting there was a counterfoil and they were cut as needed. Similar issues in my collection (e.g. Banco Pamplona) also vary with the position of the cut and it is only remainders/specimens that I have seen which are intact (e.g. Banco Maua & Cia, Banco Internacional) which suggests that the elusive 'cancelled' late S/Ns and/or the Specimens may still have the counterfoil attached. The only notes with EPQ are the 65's and 66's.

I have added an example for the Banco Colombiano from Guatemala to the Impossible Set also indicating that this bank requires much more research. The note is S121b, an example of the 1 peso issue, dated 17th April 1900 and my research so far posed a few questions. Earlier dates of 17th October 1879 and 5th April 1900 are also recorded, as is a Specimen issue, with most of the notes cancelled and not issued (S/N 59999 to 184998) suggesting a single print run. So far all of the examples I have seen are all of the 17th April 1900 issue with the lowest serial number I have recorded being 17929 and the highest being 56372, with maybe ~100 notes still in existence, hopefully more. First, these numbers suggest that the earlier dates were much smaller issues, and correspond to the lower serial numbers and second; there is a group between 41037 to 41085 (from my records) which seems to correspond to all of the high-grade examples known, and about half of the total examples, which suggests a hoard of these notes was discovered at some point. Any information on such a hoard would be much appreciated, as it seems to have been distributed quite some time ago with ungraded notes appearing singly at auctions across Europe and the US. The better notes all being submitted to PMG at different times and graded 63 to 66 with most receiving a 64 – as my example did. I wonder what surprises the higher denominations will hold?

An interesting Mexican note - which reminds me that I haven't completed this set and I don't have a 50 centavos example I do have a couple of 10 pesos examples - one with only two printed signatures and one with two printed and two handwritten, as your note has. One has the stamp on the back and one does not. So it would appear that most combinations are known. Some even have a second set of vertical serial numbers.

I actually managed to get a day-off today (well working from home anyway) so thought I would also catch up with some hobbies - I can't believe my last Journal entry was in August! Work has been hectic, but in a good way, and the hangover from Lockdown finally seems to have worked its way out of the system which means everything is now full steam ahead. Even better that the main projects are very interesting and all working, but I would say that as they were my idea, albeit up to 10 years ago in some cases A further prompt was the Stacks catalogue for January arriving yesterday, lots of missing banks for 'The Impossible Set' but quite a few of the estimates are higher than the value of my whole collection, but it is great to actually see what they actually look like. I do have plenty of examples that still need adding to the Set so that is on the to-do-list, probably number 11959 (not a random number) I hope everyone gets to spend some time on their hobbies over the holidays.

Great update - there seems to be alot of modern specimen notes (and proofs/trials etc) around at the moment so it wouldn't surprise me if some dealers/collectors have started to add these. High grade issued notes, particularly already graded examples, seem to be much more difficult to find even for ones that are only a few years old. It is not just modern notes which are attracting high prices. Stack's Bowers have just had (14th August) a spectacular collection of Latin American notes up for auction including quite a few notes which are unrecorded and/or are the only known example. It just means my 'Impossible Set' is well-named and some people have more money than senseHaving said that quite a few didn't sell as the starting prices were very high, of the 8 lots that I thought may be possible, 2 went for amazing prices, 2 went for high prices and 4 didn't sell so it will be no surprise that I came away with nothing. I had asked PMG about BB numbers and they said they are looking into it - they already use specialist catalogue numbers for some countries in addition to Pick numbers so it shouldn't be that difficult to do(?). As you say Pick numbers for new issues is a major problem, not to mention all the errors and incomplete data for earlier issues means that they will probably have to use the Banknote Book at some point, not perfect either but much much better. Now that your Ukraine collection is very well advanced, and to keep adding things, you just need to include all the former Soviet states, the balkans etc etc

Very impressive example - by far the most 'stamps' I have ever seen! I wonder how PMG would grade that and do you get bonus points for each stamp Amazing proof - beautiful image of Gloria Faure, who wasn't even Mexican! If you haven't already seen it, a Coinweek article from 2014:- https://coinweek.com/mexican-banknotes-two-mexican-women-lady-reputation-beauty-queen I am still amazed that trying to collect all the Series and dates for these Mexican issues is popular. As you have the front proof for Series CA p34l/M4637Ad you probably have one that most people are not even aware of - it will need a big holder . From the many millions that were printed it looks like I don't even have a single example, I think everyone should have at least a basic denomination set so that is something else to add to the 'to-do-list' I do have a number of the most recent issues - some of which scan and some don't but then I seem to be missing an example of the 2020 100 pesos note so I have to resort to taking a picture with my phone!

They appear to have been stamped, or initialled/dated, as they were redeemed, I expect punch holes would have made the note increasing fragile over time. Having just ordered more self-adhesive printer labels I hadn't considered stickers - a quick google search suggests 1932 was the start point for such things - they could glue things like stamps though. Some of my modern Mexican notes have security features which means that they will not scan . It would good to see what has made it into your collection and whether you have had to deal with this and how??

Very good questions - my first thought was the later French Revolution issues. For the Mexican Revolution there were certainly contemporary counterfeits, particularly of the larger, more widespread issues. I can't think of any 'propaganda' notes but that doesn't mean there weren't any . Most 'notes' were text based, had portraits of historical or allegorical figures rather than the various leaders of the different factions, or symbols relating to Mexico and/or the State or City where they were produced, all of which, I suppose, would have made 'modification' difficult. As control of territory changed most notes just became worthless or were re-validated by adding a stamp or overprint - there are lots of stamps/overprints and many notes have several. There are a few advertising notes issued by various companies that looked like currency but were not. I will have to keep a look out now!

https://notes.www.collectors-society.com/registry/notes/ViewPersonalCollection.aspx?UserCollectionID=1822&Tab=list This month saw San Luis Potosi join my Mexican States set which also allowed the Banco de San Luis Potosi to fill another gap in the Impossible Set. Given that ‘Potosi’ was only added to the State name at a later date to highlight the importance of silver and gold mining to the region, it seems only appropriate to add a bank more closely tied to the famous Bolivian silver mine – the Banco de Potosi. Knowing there were some notes from other Mexican and Bolivia banks buried in my collection I decided to concentrate on these two countries for July. As a result, the Tesoreria de la Republica de Bolivia, Banco Mercantil and the Banco Central de Bolivia expanded the Bolivian group in the Set. Unlike most of the banks in the Impossible set, which no longer exist, the last two are still operating. The central bank has the sole responsibility for the Bolivian currency and the Banco Mercantil merged with the Banco Santa Cruz only a few years ago, in 2006, forming the Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz, which still plays a major role in the finance sector of Bolivia. The opposite end of banking longevity is evident by the selection of the extra Mexican banks. Like many of the short-lived private banks, which ultimately make up the Impossible Set, it is specimen notes and proofs, rather than issued notes, that are the only remaining testament to their plans. The Banco Mexicano de Comercio e Industria, a branch spin-off from what is now Deutsche Bank, was one that didn’t fare so with global events overtaking plans to issue their own notes, so the example included in the set is a specimen 1000 pesos note, and is one of my favourite designs, as it is reminiscent of the classical Three Graces of British numismatics. The other Mexican notes is a local low denomination issue by a major company, essential for day-to-day commerce during the Revolutionary period. I am delighted to have been able to add 7 new ‘banks’ to the Impossible Set during July and also begin to uncover their history and the fascinating stories of the places and people involved. So far, it appears that every new note has the potential to be the start of a bigger research project, so that is 52 projects so far !

Sounds like interesting developments with the Ukraine currency - anyone taking bets on the first Million Hyrven note? There are lots of Latin American notes of the same period with coupons attached or, as in the Brazilian example below - covering the entire back of the note! They seem to have been very literal when naming many private banks e.g. the State or City, the major shareholder or the reason for establishing the bank in the first place, as a result I love it that this note was issued by the Coffee Bank

San Luis, or Saint Louis was Louis IX, the King of France who was a devout catholic and led several crusades in the late 13th century, dying on the 8th crusade from dysentery. Pope Boniface VIII made Louis IX a saint in 1297 with his feast day being next month on August 25th. A number of places in the region are named after him, so it is not just the city and the central Mexican State in Latin America with a surprising French connection. The reason for establishing the first Spanish settlement in the state the Cerro de San Pedro and its productive gold and silver mines and this is recognised on the State coat-of-arms which depicts Saint Louis standing on a hill flanked by two silver ingots and two gold ingots. Potosi was added to the name, at a later date, in reference to the famous silver mines in Bolivia probably highlighting that Mexico had an (almost) equivalent! The note representing this bank is 1 peso example from the final issue. The front of the note, as for all denominations, displays the State coat-of-arms and on the left is a vignette of the bank headquarters building, all 1 peso notes are Series D and dated 15th February 1914. The back of the note features a central image of the Mexican coat-of-arms and, on the left, the stamps indicating the 1% duty had been paid allowing the note to be issued. San Luis Potosi therefore becomes Mexican State No. 9.

Great notes and progress on your set Very intricate designs - I wonder how many times that was done before they got it right

So the question is are they keeping the best of everything for their own collection? If they are it must be fantastic

I have a set of Onchan tokens some where - hadn't even considered notes

Same dealer for the quality and rare Latin American notes that have been appearing recently. So, and this is completely in the realm of fantasy and guesswork, but for the older notes I guess Canadians have quietly been big collectors of world notes over the years and some long-standing collections are now appearing on the market???? Plus there doesn't seem to be many specialist Canadian auctions and that probably just leaves direct sale to a dealer for many people??? That's what I tell myself, but seeing what the very rare Latin American notes went for at the cgb sale yesterday I may just have to settle for the good picture (I was hoping to get at least one of the nine but wasn't even remotely close but then the estimates from cgb weren't either Once graded I wouldn't be surprised to see some of them appear in a Platinum night at Heritage as the only known example)

Always good to get the book - if there is one For the IoM, they don't seem to appear very often at auction here so I expect the earlier notes and the larger denominations will be a bit of a challenge - go for it

For modern notes there are some really strong prices there Any idea how many 'color trials' etc would be produced for a new issue? Assuming they are all in good condition and end up in holders would there be enough for all the Ukraine collectors out there? and the key question is 'how is the seller getting the ungraded notes and can I get some the same way????' I find myself in a similar position in that there has been quite a few fantastic Latin American notes appear on Ebay recently which have attracted very high bids, about 3 or 4x what I would have expected as a top estimate. Although at >100 years old there probably can't be many more at that quality in existence and some buyers are digging very deep just in case they are the only examples at that level. I just tell myself there must be more and they will be better value next time

I was drawn to the back of the note given the intricate surround and that the sea looks a bit rough, plus it is very easy to get hold of one in good grade as it looks like notes for the bank were never issued. At one point I did think that a collection consisting of all the notes depicting Columbus would be interesting but there are far too many - he does change outfits and hats quite a bit but he seems to be a popular chap for featuring on banknotes I like the note from the British Guiana Bank as, at first glance, it looks like an English note yet it is in dollars and not pounds meaning you have to look closer and actually read the text - or is that just me

As my username is Colonial Coins UK and as my interests moved beyond the UK I started collecting coins of the British colonies, however the corresponding banknotes were beyond my reach, even more so than some of the coins. As the ‘Impossible Set’ for Latin America does include a few of these former colonies a note from Belize (formerly British Honduras) and a couple of examples from British Guiana have been added this month removing the ‘No notes’ label. Reading up on the history of Barclays Bank was fascinating as it is still one of the major banks here in the UK. Some other countries were also classed as ‘No notes’ so a couple of notes for Costa Rica and a couple for Ecuador have now also made it into the Set. The more I discover about the struggles of independence from Spain, the key Figures involved and the ever-changing names and boundaries of the various territories the more absorbing it is, and for some countries the search for stability is still ongoing 200 years later. The last two notes this month are from the former Dutch colony – Suriname. These are not the first examples as the Centrale Bank van Suriname was already represented. An example of the World War II Zilverbon issue to combat hoarding of silver coin and the post-war Muntbiljet notes from the Dutch Administration. The Set is now upto 45 notes so still a very very long way to go https://notes.www.collectors-society.com/registry/notes/ViewPersonalCollection.aspx?UserCollectionID=1822&Tab=list

As the recognised expert in the field of Ukranian notes PMG should probably go with your designations - even checking attributions from other submissions with you I would think they are uniface 'proofs' although 'colour trials' would not be unreasonable and PMG would be able to match colours or not. It still amazes me, unlike for coins, that it is relatively easy to find unrecorded dates, varieties etc for banknotes - ideal way of spending long summer days when praying for rain doesn't seem to work Abkhazia - I had to look that one up! Nice note and appears to have lots of historical references that, at the moment I could only guess at

I agree, the blue back was one of the things that attracted me to this note as 'blue' notes do not seem to be very common at all with ABNC preferring yellow and green as the major colours. There are not many 'red' notes around either - now I have to see how many there actually are

Having been distracted by unreported control letters on a non-Mexican series of notes this is a little bit late for the end of May but as I had already selected the notes to add, I thought why not. The journal entry ‘From Ukraine to Guatemala’ commented on a recent auction for a 1 peso note issued by the Banco Comercial de Guatemala and how completing the issues for this bank would be an impossible set all on its own. The second Guatemalan note this month is also a 1 peso example but this time from the Comite Bancario de Guatemala – a full set of these notes would probably also be in the ‘impossible’ category. Hence one note per bank The second Journal Entry in May added Durango to the Mexican States so to make a pair of notes from Mexico an example of the 1000 pesos denomination from the Nacional Monte de Piedad was added to the ‘Impossible Set’. As some countries still have no representative notes, the 3rd pair of notes for this month comes from Colombia. Both honour the memory of Francisco Jose de Caldas, another interesting character in the independence of the nation states of the region, who also held a long-standing interest in science and engineering. Some of the notes destined for ‘June’ should also address more of the remaining ‘No notes’ entries which seem to be becoming more obvious as the Set evolves. Current 'Impossible Set' can be found at:- https://notes.www.collectors-society.com/registry/notes/ViewPersonalCollection.aspx?UserCollectionID=1822&Tab=list

Great result! Given the lack of decent references for many/most countries it wouldn't surprise me if most dealers do not realise how rare all sorts of notes are. It is relatively easy to still make new discoveries even for well documented countries like Mexico.You now need to find some more, then publish the book, and only then sell your collection. Are there old family collections of Czech banknotes anywhere? If so, it would be fascinating to discover what does still exist, or not - no doubt a project for several lifetimes.

I agree, I much prefer the earlier ABNC notes as they couple more ornate designs with interesting vignettes. Plus they tend to be different for each denomination and am still amazed at the skills needed to produce them. For info - the farming scene on the 10 pesos note is not mechanised though, a bit like the Irish Ploughman notes (which command very high prices ) Having said that, I like concept of the River Gods and thought I would try and get the set at some point if I ever managed to fish all the rivers - would only be 2 at the moment so need to visit Ireland much more

A previous Journal Entry ‘A pile of tatty notes’ was on the control letters on the El Estado de Durango 5 pesos note however this issue wasn’t going to represent the State of Durango. https://boards.pmgnotes.com/blogs/entry/1426-a-pile-of-tatty-notes/ Durango, State No. 8, is one of the largest states in Mexico, and similar to many without a coastline, has an economy based on mining and the production of a range of agricultural products. Improved transport and communication links rapidly expanded the potential market for goods, increasing production, and to facilitate this new level of commercial activity state banks were established. The Banco de Durango was founded in 1890 and this association is reflected in the vignettes on most of the notes issued, akin to the currency issued by other State Bancos the notes also feature lots of trains. However, the selected note for the State is a remainder example of the 1 peso issue (S272r, M331r) which has a shield bearing the State Coat of Arms flanked by Liberty and Concorda (harmony). One of my reasons for selecting this note is actually the design on the back of the note, which reminded me of the, much closer to home, Lady Lavery series issued by the Central Bank of Ireland. The river god (River Lee), on the Irish £1 note, being exchanged for an allegorical female figure representing the State of Durango.