News from Spink

Bank of Scotland Release New Banknotes With A Charity Auction

Spink to host Halifax Bank of Scotland Charity auction in edinburgh

On September 17th 2007 Spink will travel to Edinburgh to conduct a charity auction on behalf of the Bank of Scotland. The auction is set to take place the same day as the new “Bridges” banknotes go into circulation around Scotland.  This will be the 47th new design in the 312 year history of the bank. The most desirable notes of the series, including special numbers like AA01 000001 and sheets, have been held and will be auctioned off to the highest bidder, all in the name of charity. All proceeds from the sale will go to the British Heart Foundation.

The 2007 Series Bank of Scotland notes celebrate major Scottish engineering achievements. United by their theme of Scottish bridges, the notes also feature a portrait of Sir Walter Scott and a view of Bank of Scotland’s Head Office on the Mound, Edinburgh.  The introduction of a new design has provided the opportunity to incorporate advanced user-friendly features, as well as the latest anti-counterfeiting technology. Alongside such traditional security features such as a watermark, metallic thread and micro-lettering, he new notes also include a see-through effect, fluorescent and iridescent areas and, on the higher denominations, a hologram foil patch.

Bridges featured on the new series include: Brig o’Doon, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Forth Bridge, Falkirk Wheel and Kessock Bridge.

The first lot to be auctioned is an entire set of the new banknotes with £5, £10, £20, £50 and £100 notes, all with the number AA000001. The lot is conservatively estimated at £4,000-£5,000.

Colin Matthew, Treasurer of the Bank of Scotland:

“The launch of a new series of banknotes is an exciting time for any bank.  This launch perhaps more so than usual – we’re giving collectors the unique opportunity to acquire some of the most desirable notes at auction, on the very day they are issued.”

To view more information on the sale please visit www.spink.com/podcast/index.html  to download a podcast of Barnaby Faull, Spink banknotes’ specialist, discussing the auction in detail.  Please note that there are a limited number of seats for the auction. If you would like an invitation to the sale please contact Caroline Weiner or the Press Office at Spink.

Public Enquiries:  020 7563 4000 – www.spink.com or info@spink.com

Images:  Caroline Weiner, 020 7563 4084 , cweiner@spink.com

About Spink

Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holders of three royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offer an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Spink is headquartered in London and hold over 35 auctions a year around the globe.  In June 2006 Spink shattered the world record for a British Coin sold at auction with the sale of the Double Leopard Gold Coin for a staggering £460,000.

Spink Live

Launched on the 11th July 2006, Spink is pleased to offer our bespoke bidding service, Spink Live.   This enables you not only to bid real time but to leave an absentee bid in any of our forthcoming auctions; whilst online you can also see and hear the auctioneer through our remarkably user friendly and efficient software.

Since its launch, Spink Live has so far revolutionized the way in which people bid at auction. Spink is thrilled to offer this new platform for our clients so that they may enjoy adding to their collection from the comfort of their homes or anywhere else on the globe they may be.  It is believed to the only service of its kind in the world of collectables.

Public Enquiries:  020 7563 4000 – www.spink.com or info@spink.com

Images:  Spink Press Office on 020 7563 4009