Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23132 - World Banknotes - e-Auction
Lot: 1649

500 Escudos, Contract No.1. Ch.2. Ouro, Portrait of ''VASCO da Gama''
The contract dated 24th November 1922, ordering banknotes from Waterlow and Sons Limited, holds immense historical significance and represents a valuable piece of British Library quality material. This document is a tangible link to an era when banknote printing and financial transactions were of paramount importance.

The Portuguese Bank Note Crisis of 1925 placed Waterlow and Sons Limited under the spotlight, with serious accusations of counterfeiting levied against the company. This led to a high-stakes legal battle that would go down in history as one of the most complex trials in legal history.

The trial, which took place in the High Court in London, involved extensive investigations, complex legal arguments, and scrutinizing evidence related to the alleged counterfeiting of 500 Portuguese escudos banknotes by Waterlow and Sons.
(Contract for Pick 130x) Contract consists of Watermarked front and back cover, and 6 pages within. 5 of which in columns lists Quantity, Prefix, N.os, Directors - as defined numerically on the first page. This contract is undeniably one of the most important and fascinating historical artifacts, rivalling the significance of the "Banco de Portugal, Reis Spurious Issue, 500 escudos" banknotes themselves.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£520

Starting price
£140