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Auction: 26008 - World & British Banknotes including the Cockburn & Jersey Collections
Lot: 335

(x) Reserve Bank of New Zealand, 50 Pounds, 1st August 1934, serial number T 025635, Leslie Lefeaux signature, the first Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand,

The New Zealand pre-decimal banknote highlight of the Jersey Collection Part 1, widely regarded as the most sought-after New Zealand banknote, features the iconic depiction of a native kiwi bird and Milford Sound. Originally produced as a temporary issue during the early years of the Reserve Bank, this series incorporated various design elements from earlier trading banknotes. Today, the “Maori Chief/Lefeaux” 50 Pounds, the highest denomination of the highly sought-after first series, is exceptionally rare. Current research indicates that just 61 examples are recorded as surviving (Robert Pepping, New Zealand Pre-Decimal History Noted).

The example is unrecorded and fresh to the global market. It was originally discovered in the estate of a New Zealand banker who reportedly exchanged this note for its face value in the 1960s from his own pay, when it was handed in to be destroyed upon decimalisation.
(Pick 157, BNB 104a), very minor staining, an attractive example of this rare type, good fine, ex Aventine coins & bullion, private treaty

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

Estimate
£7,000 to £12,000

Starting price
£3200