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Auction: 25888 - The Jeffrey Wong Collection of World Banknotes - Part I
Lot: 162

(x) Bank of New Zealand, specimen £5, Wellington, 1st October 1916, serial number 040001-060000,

A remarkable and highly attractive specimen printed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., London, this note stands as a testament to the exceptional artistry and rich iconography characteristic of early 20th-century New Zealand banknotes.

The front design is rendered in a vibrant palette of purple, blue, green, yellow, and brown, dominated by an evocative scene blending the country’s natural beauty with its cultural heritage. At right, a standing Maori man holds a spear, while an axe lies on the ground in front of a kneeling Maori man, with a lake behind them and the majestic Mount Taranaki rising in the background. On the left, the same Mount Taranaki appears once more, overlooking a serene lake, a canoe (waka), and the surrounding landscape — one of New Zealand's most iconic and sacred volcanic peaks, long revered in Maori tradition for its spiritual significance and striking symmetry. Additional vignettes of New Zealand’s distinctive flora and fauna, including palm trees and kiwi birds, complete the composition. The reverse features the public seal of New Zealand, with a Caucasian settler and a Maori chief flanking an altar adorned with a sunburst, balance scales, and a crucifix — symbols representing justice, faith, and enlightenment. The design is completed by English text and intricate border work, reflecting the high engraving standards of Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co.

(Pick S227s), in PMG holder 64 EPQ Choice Uncirculated, selvage included, printer's annotations, only 1 note in a higher grade on PMG Census

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£1,200 to £1,800

Starting price
£800