From coinweek.com: "The World Banknotes auction on 29-30 April [at Spink] showcases a wide range of notes from countries across the globe. We are offering many great rarities, and as usual, some completely unique items. Below is a selection of some of the most spectacular or otherwise interesting items.
A group of specimens showing a series of UAR banknotes that were never issued. The United Arab Republic was a union between Egypt and Syria. It lasted only three years, from 1958 until 1961. No official currency was issued for the union, despite the fact that Egypt continued to call itself the United Arab Republic until 1971.
These specimen banknotes, dated 1959, show beyond all doubt that the two countries were planning a combined currency. There is a complete set of notes, with the denominations 25 and 50 piastres, and 1, 5, and 10 Arab Dinars.
That fact that these notes are Arab Dinars is actually what makes them so remarkable. This will no doubt have collectors completely mystified, since neither Egypt nor Syria used Dinars at any point in their history. It could be speculated that Dinars was proposed so that neither party could claim favouritism. Another possibility is that it was an effort to appeal to other states, such as Iraq, in an effort to get them to join the union as well. One thing is for certain, these banknotes will fuel speculation and research for years to come, and are one of the most important discoveries in the fields of Egyptian and Syrian notes for decades."
After a visit to the Papermoney Fair Maastricht in Valkenburg aan den Geul you can't come home empty-handed. I visited the fair last Saturday and it was bigger than ever. Another hall was added to provide room for all the dealers and I don't know for sure but it also seemed more busy with visitors than previous editions. Lots of respect to the dealers by the way because it was very hot in the dealer rooms. Some of my budget had to be spent on much needed water to help me through my visit.
The Central Bank of Nepal (Nepal Rastra Bank) has issued a new 1,000-rupees note on 27 February 2015. It looks like the 2008 issue but with a different signature and the addition of the name Nepal Rastra Bank on the back.
The Central Bank of Nepal (Nepal Rastra Bank) has pre-qualified 10 security printers for the printing and supply of banknotes. From the article on Ekantipur.com: "(...) These firms, which were selected from among 11 applicants, are eligible to bid for contracts to print Nepali paper currency , the central bank said.
Among the short listed companies, two are from Germany and the rest are from China, Sweden, England, the Netherlands, Canada, France, Russia and Indonesia.
De La Rue Currency of England and Giesecke & Devrient GmbH of Germany have handled many printing orders for Nepali banknotes, according to NRB. “They were selected based on their technical qualification,” said a central bank official.
NRB had called for pre-qualification tenders in January. A senior NRB official said that the pre-qualified firms would be eligible to bid for printing contracts for at least two years or one round of printing of all the denominations of Nepali banknotes.
The central bank currently prints banknotes of Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations. The NRB official said that normally a firm quoting the lowest amount would be awarded the contract.
The central bank has planned to award the contract for printing Rs 100 notes during this fiscal year. It usually plans to keep stocks of paper currency for a period of three years and three months."
"The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has today issued their new $100 banknote. In keeping with the new $50, this new note uses strong images and bold colours to reflect the vibrancy of the islands.
As on the $50, the most prominent security feature is the Optiks super wide security thread with a transparent window. This Optiks technology was recognised in 2013 when De La Rue received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation for the thread and its associated paper making process.
De La Rue’s Sales Director Ruth Euling said ”We are delighted to see the issue of this new note and are proud of our continued association with the Solomon Islands, a relationship that dates back almost a century to 1916”."
The Bank of Thailand has announced plans to issue a new commemorative banknote in honor of "Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 5th Cycle Birthday Anniversary". Thailand has a long history of commemorative notes honoring birthdays of the royal family. For a list of commemorative notes see this wikipedia entry.
The new note of 100-baht will be issued on 2 April 2015, the Princess’ birthday. The commemorative banknote is red and measures 72 x 150 mm. It depicts on one side the portrait of the Princess and the scene of royal duties of Their Majesties the King and Queen. Special yellow-colored ink is printed on the portrait of the Princess and the surrounding elements are featured with fluorescent color. The banknote is available at state and commercial banks across the country.