Q u alit y Coins and Bank n o t e s
May 2009
Pre s e n t i n g a u n i qu e co l l e c t i on of Numismatic Historical Prominence
WWII Hay Internment Camp
A much celebrated series providing a unique insight into wartime Australia. Extremely scarce and touting great kudos for the discerning investor in the quest for the ultimate Australian numismatic treasure.
{ See Centre Spread for more details } Also inside this issue: Extremely Rare One Pound Superscribed Note, Rare Uniface Printers Proofs and Australian Pre-Federation Banknotes, Rare Quality George V Banknotes, Prized QEII Commonwealth Banknotes. New Zealand and Great Britain Coinage, Tasmanian Bills of Exchange, Global Collectables plus the very latest mint releases from Australian mints and more!
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How to Contact Us We provide our clients with seven simple contact options:
Office and Showroom: Visit our offices and showrooms located in Albany or Perth or arrange an appointment at our Melbourne or Sydney offices. (See back of catalogue for details)
Personal Consultation: We have consultants available to meet with you in our Perth, Albany, Melbourne and Sydney premises. Alternatively, you can arrange for a consultant to visit your home, office or a place of your choosing.
Online:
www.rarecoin.com.au
Visit us online 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.
Mail: Complete the enclosed mail order form and post it to: The Rare Coin Company PO Box 829 Albany WA 6331
Phone:
Freecall 1800 641 633 (Aust. only) Orders taken from 9am to 5pm WA time, Monday to Friday.
Fax:
(08) 9842 6273 (Mail Order Direct) Complete the enclosed mail order form and fax it to the number shown above.
Email:
enquiries@rarecoin.com.au Send your enquiry or order to the email address shown above.
W
e are extremely pleased to showcase an outstanding selection of numismatic material this month which includes exclusive opportunities such as a unique collection of very rare WWII Hay Internment Camp banknotes, an extremely rare Bank of NSW Superscribed one pound banknote and a very rare 1953 QEII consecutive bundle of one hundred one pound notes. These unsurpassed numismatic rarities have never been offered by The Rare Coin Company before so we feel especially privileged to add these super rarities to our prestigious band of high profile numismatic acquisitions placed in client portfolios. These significant rarities, along with a great lineup of scarce and sought after quality numismatic material, makes for an exciting edition which we’re proud to offer our discerning clients with their investment potential and collecting appeal.
Unique WWII Hay Internment Camp Banknote Collection The WWII Hay Internment Camp banknote collection takes pride of place as one of The Rare Coin Company’s most distinguished acquisitions in recent years and we’re pleased to offer this foremost collection as a standalone investment proposition. These fascinating banknotes have been hand selected for their highly preserved condition and assembled over many years by an astute collector, therefore they offer considerable investment potential in their unique quality and presentation. As a complete collection they display the various denominations and signature combinations created by the internees at Camp Seven during WWII. Together with an extremely rare Two Shilling Colour Trial, the collection is a truly unique offering unseen before and comes with our highest recommendation. Read the compelling story of these interesting banknotes on pages 10 & 11.
Extremely Rare 1910 Superscribed Bank of NSW £1 Note Superscribed notes are a highly specialized area in Australia’s numismatic market and extremely
Presenting a Rare and Important Banknote Issue from the Bank of New South Wales (1910) Superscribed Banknotes - One of the most captivating series of Australian note issues
Robert & Barbara Jackman managing directors
rare. As such, we’re pleased to offer an issued one pound example in Fine condition as an outstanding investment opportunity for buyers of these numismatically important banknotes. For buyers of scarce Pre Federation note issues, we have an interesting selection of choice banknotes on offer. These splendid notes are in constant demand and we can never secure enough to satisfy our growing number of clients now adding these significant issues to their portfolios. Other well chosen items on offer this month include an exclusive selection of extremely rare Australian Pre Decimal coin and banknote issues which are sure to move quickly as strong competition dominates these high performing areas of the market. Collectors of scarce quality Great Britain coinage will no doubt find our feature on pages 14 & 15 of particular interest. Early period British coins in gold and silver are one of the most heavily sought after by modern day collectors and we have selected some of the finest examples available to showcase this month to buyers of this historically significant numismatic area. We trust you will enjoy the opportunities on offer in this month’s edition of Essentially Money as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you.
After Australia’s Federation in 1901, Parliament was given the legal authority to make laws in relation to currency, coinage, legal tender and banking but it wasn’t until 1910 that the Federal Government passed the ‘Bank Notes Act’ and ‘Australian Bank Notes Tax Act’. The Commonwealth lacked the resources to immediately issue its own notes, so it was decided to requisition unissued forms from the major banks and overprint (superscribe) them as Government treasury notes. Each note was dated December 1, 1910 and signed by James Collins as Accountant and George Allen as Secretary to the Treasury. When stocks of unissued forms were depleted, new supplies were ordered but by 1912 government officials were so concerned about forgeries that new supplies were limited to those of the National Bank of Australasia. The notes were finally replaced in 1913 when distinctive Commonwealth notes were issued.
Australia’s First Bank (Bank of NSW 1817 - 1982) Established in Sydney in 1817, the Bank of New South Wales was Australia’s first bank. Governor Lachlan Macquarie spearheaded the move to establish the bank which was often referred to as “Macquarie’s Bank - the people’s bank”. In 1827 it was agreed to change the bank into a joint stock company and business commenced under a new constitution in 1828.
Shows & Events in May 2009 Self Managed Super Fund Seminars Presented by The Rare Coin Company and Grove Securities
As treasured acquisitions from one of Australia’s foremost banking institutions, these distinctive banknote rarities are of great historical significance in the development of Australia’s currency and banking heritage.
ANDA Coin and Banknote Show
Albany
Perth
Queensland
Thursday May 7th
Tuesday May 12th
Friday to Sunday, May 22nd to 24th
Dog Rock Function Centre, Middleton Road
Sheraton Hotel, 207 Adelaide Terrace
RNA Showgrounds, Exhibition Hall Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
6.15pm for a 6.30pm start RSVP: 9892 8000
6.00pm for a 6.30pm start RSVP: 9225 5044
12.00pm to 6.00pm on Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday & Sunday
Free Admission
Free Admission
The Bank of NSW opened various branches over the coming years, including one at a convict out-station at Moreton Bay (renamed Brisbane in 1839) and in Melbourne, London, Adelaide and offshore including New Guinea. An agency was also established in Castlemaine, and a bank and various branches in New Zealand.
The Victorian gold rush caused such an increase in note circulation in late 1851 that legislation was eventually passed in NSW, giving the bank the right to issue notes to the amount limited by the amount of its paid up capital and holding of coin or officially assayed gold bullion. The Bank amalgamated with the Western Australian Bank in 1927 and merged with
Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120
This issued Bank of NSW One Pound Superscribed Note is extremely rare having survived circulation in harsh economic times.
‘Bank of New South Wales’ (1817-1982) 1910 One Pound Superscribed Note Engraved by: Charles Skipper & East, London Serial: Superscribed A476559 (Host A876443) Cat Ref: MVR VS15 Grade: Fine
Extremely Rare Price:
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the Australian Bank of Commerce Limited in 1931. In 1982 it merged with the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited to form the Westpac Banking Corporation.
$160,000
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• Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au
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Bank of Australasia (1835-1951)
Rare Australian Pre-Federation Notes
Rare Uniface Printers Proofs from Colonial Victoria
Embrace the History and Significant investment appeal A Brief History
Notes of issue from The Bank of Australasia are a discerning and very important part of Australia’s Pre Federation banknote era and today are considered well placed items in any high profile numismatic portfolio.
The Mercantile Bank of Sydney was established in the capital in 1869 with the first four years of business conducted in the style of a private institution. The bank was incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1873, and new capital issued in shares. The money raised paid off the capital of the old bank.
These note issues have emerged as a highly sought after area in recent decades, demonstrating strong growth performance against other investment options. Printer’s Proofs are considered unique to banking archives. They were normally uniface (one sided) printed on plain paper in the chosen colours and format and intended as a proposed design for a note. They were sent to the customer for final approval and to showcase the artwork and expertise of the printer but remained the property of the engraver. Only in recent decades have these fascinating notes been made available to collectors. Australian Pre Federation banknotes were produced during an era of significant social and economic change in Australia from the early
The first Sydney branch was opened in 1877 followed by a London office in 1882 and a Brisbane branch in 1884. By 1887 the bank had 12 offices. A study of its financials in 1889 revealed that there were substantial bad debts. These were later written off and the issue of a further 66,667 shares was authorised in November 1889. At a special meeting in 1891 it was agreed that the bank should amalgamate with the Commercial Bank of Australia Limited and by 1892 the CBA had absorbed the Mercantile Bank of Sydney.
‘The Bank of Australasia’ (1835-1951) c1863 Twenty Pound Uniface Printer’s Proof Engraved by: Perkins, Bacon & Co., London Domicile: Beechworth Cat Ref: MVR 2a Grade: about Uncirculated Traces of adhesive on reverse from original presentation
With growth rates in excess of 15%*pa over the past decade and demand on the rise, Pre Federation Specimen issues are a stand-out investment option.
Unique from this Domicile Price:
$50,000
‘The Mercantile Bank of Sydney’ (1869-1892) 1877 One Pound Specimen Note
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Colonial era to Federation in 1901. Exploration and land settlement, convict transportation, gold discovery, depression, the ‘Land Crash’ of 1893 and Federalism were all major events of the time.
Engraved by: Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., Engravers, London Domicile: Sydney Cat Ref: MVR 2 Grade: Uncirculated
Extremely Rare
The Bank of Australasia
Price:
The Bank of Australasia was an ‘Imperial’ bank in that it originated in Britain in 1835 but operated primarily overseas, including Australia where the first branch opened in Sydney the same year.
‘The Bank of Australasia’ (1835-1951) 1868 One Pound Uniface Printer’s Proof Engraved by: Perkins, Bacon & Co., London Domicile: Castlemaine Cat Ref: MVR 2a Grade: good Extremely Fine Traces of adhesive on reverse from original presentation
Extremely Rare Approximately 4 examples known to Exist Price:
$40,000
The National Bank of Australasia opened in Melbourne, Victoria in 1858. Branches emerged in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and Mauritius plus an agency in London. In 1859 an Act of Incorporation was obtained in Victoria, followed by similar Acts in SA and WA in 1866.
The Cornwall Bank in Tasmania and Bank of Western Australia were absorbed by the Australasia. Bank branches were established in Hobart, Melbourne, Adelaide, Ipswich, Brisbane and New Zealand and by 1887 the Bank had 135 offices.
During the 1893 financial crisis, the bank suspended business and reconstructed to become the National Bank of Australasia Limited. It would take over, absorb or amalgamate with various financial institutions over the coming decades. In 1969 the National Bank, Chase Manhattan Bank and AC Good Associates Limited formed the Chase-NBA Group Ltd. The merger between the National Bank of Australasia Limited and the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited was announced in 1982 as the National Commercial Banking Corporation of Australia Limited, known as the National Australia Bank since 1983.
Amalgamation Plans to amalgamate with the Union Bank of Australia Limited were shelved in 1947 when labor Prime Minister Ben Chifley announced Government proposals to nationalise all non-government banking in Australia. Chifley lost office in 1949 and plans were resurrected.
First Notes of Issue The first notes to be issued by the Australasia featured the Royal Arms and a harbour scene of Hobart town and Sydney on the front. With the opening of other branches in different areas, it was considered unsuitable to use the notes. They were replaced with a new design in 1863 that continued until 1910 when they were superscribed.
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Strong returns and historic value place Pre Federation Specimen notes, such as this example, in strong demand amongst astute investors.
‘The Bank of Australasia’ (1835-1951 ) 1868 One Pound Uniface Printer’s Proof
‘The National Bank of Australasia Limited’ (1858-1982) c1911 Ten Pound Specimen Note
Engraved by: Perkins, Bacon & Co., London Domicile: Melbourne Cat Ref: MVR 2a Grade: about Uncirculated Traces of adhesive on reverse from original presentation
Engraved by: Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., Engravers, London Domicile: Melbourne Cat Ref: MVR 4m Grade: about Uncirculated
Very Rare
Rare Price:
$30,000
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Forerunner to the National Australia Bank
Many more would emerge throughout various regions in the coming years.
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The two banks merged to become the Australia and New Zealand Bank Limited in 1951 and in 1970 this entity joined with the English, Scottish and Australian Bank Limited to form the ANZ Banking Group Limited.
$26,500
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Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120
* Past performance is no indication of future returns.
Price:
$37,500
• Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au
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Rare and Superb Banknotes from an Eventful Era in Australia’s Banking History
Opportunities in Rare Quality George V Banknotes
Fine Exhibits from Specific Domiciles and Banking Groups
Australian Notes Historically record Strong Investment Growth
New Bank Emerges The opening of a Colonial bank in Melbourne (The Bank of Victoria) in 1853 and a meeting of Sydney merchants and citizens soon after, was the catalyst for establishment of the Australian Joint Stock Bank Limited in Sydney the same year. By 1891 a branch in London had been established and branches scattered throughout Queensland and New South Wales. The bank continued to prosper until the 1893 ‘Land Crash’ when in contrast to the glory days of the 1850’s gold rush, the Australian economy in the Eastern states had completely stagnated. Most banks closed their doors only to reopen later following mergers or reconstruction. The Australian Joint Stock Bank Limited was suspended and reconstructed as a “limited” institution. Plans for a new company, The Australian Bank of Commerce Limited emerged in about 1906. It opened in 1910, merged with the City Bank of Sydney in 1918 and ceased to exist as a separate name when it merged with the Bank of New South Wales in 1931. This One Pound Colour Trial is a fine example and an extremely rare and prized note issue.
‘The Australian Joint Stock Bank Ltd’ (1853-1910) 1909 One Pound Colour Trial Note Engraved by: Perkins, Bacon & Co., London Domicile: Sydney Cat Ref: MVR 4b Grade: about Extremely Fine
Extremely Rare Price:
$32,000
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Sharing a period of intense political and economic change in Australia, Pre Decimal banknotes afford tremendous investment and visual appeal. Banknotes presented in original Uncirculated condition and in consecutive pairs rarely surface, which underpins their notable demand and solid asset performance.
One pound Australian banknotes issued between 1913 and 1923 formed part of the Gold Bearing series and were payable in gold coin. They were issued with minor design variations, until being replaced by ‘legal tender’ notes of 1933. The Note Issue Board of the Commonwealth Bank took over the production of the notes from the Commonwealth Government in 1920 and the first new note design to be released was the one pound in 1923. In 1924 a new Act was introduced which affected the titles given to note signatories. The Act passed responsibility of note issue onto a board of directors with the Commonwealth Bank. From then on the title of ‘Chairman of Directors’ was changed to ‘Governor, Commonwealth Bank of Australia’ on the notes. Premium quality George V banknotes are prized investments with consecutive pairs attracting special appeal. A truly distinguished area of the banknote market worthy of serious consideration.
1927 George V Riddle / Heathershaw One Pound Consecutive Pair Notes Cat Ref: R26 Grade: Uncirculated
Respected for their historical significance and consistent price performance and printed in very small numbers, Specimen banknotes are attracting fierce competition from investors and collectors seeking historical banknote rarities to take pride of place in their collection. Specimen notes are produced as part of a normal run which are kept as examples of the printing or the issue. Banknotes of this era were printed on sheets and crudely separated after printing which resulted in the rough edges such as those evident on this Specimen note. Printed by Charles Skipper & East, London for Australia’s first bank, the Bank of New South Wales, this note was produced in the first decade after Federation when private banknotes continued to circulate as a paper currency. From 1817 until 1910, many private banks and some State Governments issued banknotes in denominations up to one hundred pounds. Many of these banks collapsed and others merged or changed name to become part of the large banking groups of today. This rarity is a choice option for the investor inspired by Australia’s past and the future investment potential of this note.
‘Bank of New South Wales’ (1817-1982) 19-- One Pound Specimen Note Engraved by: Charles Skipper & East, London Domicile: Sydney Cat Ref: MVR 7f Grade: Very Fine
Very Rare Price:
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$18,000
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Very Rare in Pairs Price:
$23,000 pair
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Half sovereign The arrival of the ten shilling (half sovereign) marked the introduction of the first distinctive Commonwealth banknote to be issued in Australia. Several varieties of the note were issued from 1915 to 1923. The words ‘HALF SOVEREIGN’ were printed in prominent red letters on each margin of the front of the note to avoid confusion with other note denominations issued at the time and to emphasise that it was equivalent to a half sovereign gold coin. The reverse included forgery deterrents printed around the margins and an image of the Goulburn Weir which provided crucial irrigation to large areas of Victoria. Early Australian Pre Decimal notes in superior quality grades afford great appeal for investors due to their consistent price performance, extreme rarity and escalating demand.
1918 George V Cerutty / Collins Ten Shilling Note Cat Ref: R3b Grade: about Uncirculated
Extremely Rare in this Grade Price:
$41,500
• Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au
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Rare and Prized Queen Elizabeth II Australian C0mmonwealth Banknotes
Extremely Rare and Magnificent Examples from Australia’s Pre Decimal Era
Elusive Gems - Banknotes in Superlative Condition
Prestigious Proven Price Performers in High Demand
An Exceptionally Rare bundle of Pristine Banknotes We are most delighted to be able to offer for the first time this extremely rare bundle of 100 one pound banknotes complete with the original Commonwealth Bank of Australia Note Issue Department banding. Produced the same year Elizabeth II was crowned queen, the 1953 one pound note was the only redesigned note issued from 1953 to 1966 to feature the monarch. The note signatories were then Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Governor Dr Herbert Coombs and Secretary to the Treasury Sir Ronald Wilson. Commonwealth Bank of Australia
The CBA was formed by the Federal Government in 1911 and responsible for the introduction of legal tender banknotes which resolved serious currency problems of the time. The presentation, quality and undeniable rarity of this bundle presents an exciting opportunity for buyers zealous in their pursuit of fine examples from Australia’s Pre Decimal banknote era.
1953 QEII Coombs / Wilson One Pound Notes Consecutive Bundle of 100 as originally issued with official banding
Superior quality grade Australian pre 1950’s coins are renowned for their outstanding striking quality and limited mintages and are touted as some of the most distinctive in the world of coin investing. Far smaller production requirements compared to other developed countries has contributed significantly to their elite status.
Mint in London from 1910 to 1914 and at the Royal Mint and Heaton Mint, in Birmingham in 1915. The Melbourne Mint struck all issues from 1916 to 1920 with coins carrying the “M” mintmark. The Sydney and Melbourne mints shared the task of minting from 1922 to 1926, when the Sydney Mint closed and Melbourne continued to mint shillings until 1963.
A Gem graded coin will be almost faultless while Proofs are extremely rare and were mostly struck for official purposes. Specimens were struck from a brand new die as an example of a given issue.
1921 George V Florin Gem
George V 1917m One Shilling Specimen & 1933 One Shilling Gem One of the scarcest coins in the George V shillings series are those dated 1933 while natural toning on the 1917 Specimen coin considerably enhances its numismatic value. All Australian shillings were stuck at the Royal
The first distinctive Australian Commonwealth coins introduced in Australia in 1910 were the Australian florins, struck at the Royal Mint, in London. All coins were struck in London and Birmingham from 1910 to 1915. The Melbourne Mint produced all issues from 1916 to 1919. The Birmingham and Melbourne issues carried the “H” or “M” mintmarks. There were no distinguishing mintmarks on later florins until 1942. Florins were produced
by the Melbourne and San Francisco mints in 1943 and 1944. Issues from 1945 to 1963 were struck in Melbourne but had no mintmark.
1939 George VI Roo Halfpenny Proof Australian halfpennies featured two reverse designs during their history from 1911 to 1964. Apart from special commemorative issues, the halfpenny is the only denomination to have two different reverse designs for the same date, this was the 1939 issue. Most of the 1938 and 1939 coins were struck carrying the old design with ONE HALF PENNY and COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA 1938 on the reverse when the new halfpenny featuring the familiar “Flying Kangaroo” was introduced in late 1939. From 1919 to 1922 all halfpennies were struck at the Sydney Mint until Melbourne took over the task in 1923 and issued the bulk of the halfpennies until the end of the series in 1964.
Cat #: R33 Grade: about Uncirculated
Extremely Rare Price: { Obverse }
$44,000 bundle
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{ Banding }
A Shining Star on the Investment Scene An inimitable and most interesting series especially produced to replace a note spoilt or damaged during the printing cycle, the star (replacement) banknote appeared on the Australian currency scene from 1942 to 1971. They are now extremely scarce in top quality condition and highly prized numismatic pieces.
Reserve Bank of Australia
This 1961 banknote featuring the signature combination of Coombs/ Wilson issued by the Reserve Bank of Australia is a fine example and as with all investment level Pre Decimal banknotes, boasts excellent growth potential. Star notes were printed before modern electronic readout and counting machines had been developed. Replacement notes had to be printed as a separate run to avoid confusion over the number of notes issued. The only difference to the normal notes was in the serial number, a star or ‘asterisk’ replacing the last digit.
1917M George V Specimen Shilling Natural Toning
$59,500
Ex Remick Collection Grade: Gem
Specimen Strike
Extremely Rare Price:
1921 George V Florin
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Extremely Rare in this Grade One of the Finest Known Price:
$22,500
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The appreciation value and numismatic importance of Pre Decimal banknotes sets them high on the wish list for collectors and investors looking for that special addition to their portfolio.
1961 QEII Coombs / Wilson One Pound Star Note
1933 George V Shilling (Key Date)
1939 George VI Proof Roo Halfpenny (Key Date)
Grade: Gem
Grade: near FDC (traces of fingerprint on obverse)
Cat #: R34as Grade: good Extremely Fine
Extremely Rare in this Grade One of the Finest Known
Extremely Rare Less than 10 Known
Very Rare Price:
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$21,000
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Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120
Price:
$31,500
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Price:
$32,000
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• Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au
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Pres e n t i n g a u n i qu e co l l e c t i on of Numismatic Historical Prominence
WWII Hay Internment Camp While the establishment of the Hay Internment Camp in New South Wales was one of the most unjust and shameful periods of WWII it also revealed the incredible strength and determination of the human spirit. The introduction of the Hay Camp banknotes in 1941 stands testament to the ingenuity and fortitude of the camp internees. Just one of these fascinating banknotes is considered extremely scarce and an illustrious prize amongst serious collectors, so to acquire a complete collection of each denomination featuring the rare combination of four signatories, and a uniface (one-sided) trial banknote, would have to be deemed the ultimate coup. The uniface trial was a test printing and the only known example. Interest in Australia’s military past is flourishing, which is demonstrated in the number of investors specialising in banknotes and other types of wartime paper currency. We are delighted to be able to offer this limited series of Extremely Fine to Uncirculated notes for the first time.
Camps the product of fear Following the evacuation of Dunkirk, the British authorities became suspicious about the likelihood of spies now on their home soil and Australians were just as fearful of foreign nationals in their country. As a result, the British Government requested that Australia establish internment camps to house a large number of enemy alien internees, many of whom had simply fled their homelands to avoid persecution. Australia agreed to take 6,297 internees from England but only 2,543 and some prisoners of war were actually dispatched on July 10, 1940 on the HMS Dunera. They were housed in Camps Six, Seven and Eight built near the remote Hay township, and camps elsewhere in Australia. At its peak in 1942, there were almost 7000 internees in Australian camps. The internees were released and the camps dismantled at the end of the war.
Camp Life and Currency Camp Seven internees became known as the ‘Dunera Boys.’ They not only developed an internal legal system, established kitchens and a theatre and had their own musicians, soccer team and university, but decided to introduce a camp currency. Many of the
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we are here because we are here civilian internees were affluent and cultured but forbidden to have currency in the camp, even though there was a Camp Seven Bank. Buying goods from the civilian-owned camp canteens was a real problem. Internees only had cigarettes and the like to barter with.
Design and Printing The 1941 Camp banknotes were printed in very limited numbers on a hand-fed platen press by the local newspaper and printing firm “The Riverine Grazier.” They consisted of a sixpence, shilling and two shilling denomination dated March 1, 1941 devised by internee George A Teltscher, an Austrian illustrator and former banknote designer.
Secrets Revealed Teltscher had quite a sense of humour considering his circumstances. The notes provide a fascinating insight into camp life with their cryptic and concealed meanings incorporated in the design. The obverse features a coiled barbed wire perimeter fence with the repeated wording of the camp theme song “We are here because we are here” hidden in the design. Some believe that barbed wire in the fence behind the Coatof-Arms is Morse code. The name of the camp leader, A. Eppenstein is engraved in the sheep’s fleece within the Coat-of-Arms shield. The barbed wire entanglement at the foot of the fencing contains the wording “HMT Dunera, Liverpool to Hay.”
The three signature combinations possible were Mendel and Stahl; Epstein and Stahl and Robinow and Stahl. Interned German banker Stahl was the Camp Seven Bank manager. His name always appeared under “Manager” on the notes.
Signature Combination: Mendel and Stahl
Signature Combination: Epstein and Stahl
Signature Combination: Robinow and Stahl
{ Obverse }
The reverse of the note features 25 sheep, representing the camp’s 25 huts. The names of internees are woven into the fleece. The sheep are overprinted with the words “THIS NOTE IS VALID ONLY / WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES / OF / CAMPSEVEN / INTERNMENT CAMP HAY.
An early demise The notes only circulated for about three months in 1941 before they were withdrawn because they contravened the Australian Currency Act.
1941 Hay Internment Camp Complete Set of Nine Notes plus Unique Two Shilling Trial Note Serial: C40046, D21911, E40611, C41195, D20979, E39261, C40601, D22783 & E39895 Signed: Robinow / Stahl, Mendel / Stahl, Epstein / Stahl Grade: Extremely Fine - Uncirculated
Unique as a collection Price:
$350,000 set
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Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Albany 1800 641 633 • Perth 1800 811 120
• Melbourne (03) 9653 9412 • Sydney (02) 9089 8780 • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au
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Contact one of our professional Numismatic Consultants for expert advice and guidance on successful investing for your Personal Investment Portfolio or Self Managed Super Fund. Albany Office & Showroom 12 Sanford Road, Albany WA PO Box 829, Albany WA 6331 Phone: (08) 9892 8000 Fax: (08) 9842 1702 Freecall: 1800 641 633
Email: enquiries@rarecoin.com.au
Edward Armstrong Chief Executive Officer
0447 968 885
Brett Scott
Albany Sales Manager
0408 921 916
Fiona Stevenson
Murray Holmes
0418 913 243
0407 225 750
Numismatic Consultant - Albany
Numismatic Consultant - Albany
Ron Scott
Numismatic Consultant - Albany
0417 954 464
Our Albany office and showroom, located in Sanford Road is open each weekday from 9am to 5pm
Perth Office & Showroom 286 Hay Street, East Perth WA PO Box 6912, East Perth 6004 Phone: (08) 9225 5044 Fax: (08) 9225 4500 Freecall: 1800 811 120
Email: enquiries@rarecoin.com.au
Wayne Fernie
Perth Sales Manager
0407 425 011
Tom Bishop
John Cunningham
Corrin Marshall
0417 936 861
0407 227 890
0448 882 291
Numismatic Consultant - Perth
Numismatic Consultant - Perth
Numismatic Consultant - Perth
Colin Hughes
Numismatic Consultant - Perth
0439 600 026
Our Perth office and showroom, located in Hay Street close to The Perth Mint, is open each weekday from 9am to 5pm and also Saturdays from 9am to 1pm for your added convenience.
Sydney Office*
Melbourne Office*
(*Private Consultations by appointment only) Level 26, 44 Market Street, Sydney NSW Phone: (02) 9089 8780 Fax: (02) 9089 8989
(*Private Consultations by appointment only) Level 27, 101 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC Phone: (03) 9653 9412 Fax: (03) 9653 9416
Email: enquiries@rarecoin.com.au
John Brookes
Numismatic Consultant - Sydney
0417 996 969
James Tham
Numismatic Consultant - Sydney
0439 946 658
Nicholas Tham
Numismatic Consultant - Sydney
0419 907 877
Email: enquiries@rarecoin.com.au
Website: www.rarecoin.com.au The Rare Coin Company offers a Liquidation Guarantee on selected investment quality items sold through our company. Items featuring this Liquidation logo come with an official Certificate of Authenticity and Future Liquidation by The Rare Coin Company. This guarantee applies only on selected items as indicated in this publication. All other numismatic material does not carry a liquidation guarantee, however we are always happy to purchase quality items for future resale - subject to stock requirements. For more information regarding our Liquidation Guarantee policy please contact us on: 1800 641 633.
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Your Privacy: The personal information you have provided is protected by the Privacy Act 1988. We observe the national privacy legislation and will handle your personal information in accordance with these principles. If you wish to access your personal information, or do not wish to receive further promotional material, please contact us. Further information regarding our privacy practice is set out in our published Privacy and Confidentiality flyer. Special Disclaimer: The average returns shown for items in this catalogue were calculated using pricing information obtained from the McDonalds Australian Coins and Banknotes catalogues. Disclaimer: *Past performance is no indication of future returns. °Potential investors into numismatics should seek advice of a qualified rare coin and banknote dealer and a Financial Advisor. No warranty is given and no liability accepted by Arcabi Pty Ltd or its employees for any statement of opinion, errors or omissions. E&OE Items offered are subject to being sold out prior to receipt of order. All previous selling lists are cancelled. Prices shown are subject to change without notice. All prices include GST. Some items may not be immediately available from our retail outlet. Pictures are shown for illustration purposes only. Members of ANDA
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Building Wealth Through Rare Australian Coins and Banknotes • Visit our website at: www.rarecoin.com.au