An Enormous Note
One way to commemorate a massive event is to issue an equally massive bank note. This is what Philippine officials did in 1998 to celebrate 100 years of independence from Spanish rule. Printed by the Central Bank of the Philippines, the 100,000-piso note is grand in both denomination and scale. It measures 355.6mm by 215.9mm (14 inches by 8.5 inches), which is larger than a sheet of paper. Only 1,000 examples were issued, and one of them will be offered at a London auction this Wednesday, August 28.
The colorful note features detailed vignettes that tout the success of the Philippines’ independence movement. “This is a scarce opportunity to obtain a superb example of this note,” says Thomasina Smith, worldwide head of numismatics at Noonans. “This very large note…bears the special serial number of 786, which is considered to be lucky and holy in Islamic countries.” The rare note, one of the largest ever printed, is expected to sell for £5,000-£6,000 (US$6,600-$7,900).
To learn more about the auction, visit Noonans Mayfair website.
Update (September 11): The note did not sell at auction. The company’s next world bank note auction is scheduled for November 27. No lots are listed at this time.