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Auction: 373 - World Banknotes at NYINC
Lot: 282

Government of Sarawak, 'Liberation Issue' Currency, printer's design of 1, 5 and 10 cent, ND (1945), and a set of archival photographs dated 2 June 1945,
(Pick unlisted), Towards the end of the War when it became clear the tide of conflict was turning in the Allies favour, the British Government began to turn its thoughts towards the re-occupation of the colonies that had previously been under Japanese control.
Unlike Malaya where coins had been minted and stockpiled during the war, no coinage was struck for Sarawak after 1941. However, in Malaya an issue of small change notes was proposed, although quite possibly none were printed in any quantity. Collectors can refer to the Tan reference catalogue, MUP 18 and 19 for the proposed Malaya issues of 1 and 5 cents 1944, these notes to be issued in Malaya upon the resumption of British rule after the removal of Japanese forces.
It was also mooted that an issue of small change notes for Sarawak would be required, and accordingly a series of small change currency notes comprising 1, 5 and 10 cents notes were designed and printed by Bradbury Wilkinson in the UK. As a point of interest all Sarawak notes up until 1941 were issued by the Treasury in Sarawak. This small change issue was to be issued under the aegis of the Sarawak Government. Charles Vyner Brooke 'the White Rajah' also recognized that he lacked the resources to rebuild Sarawak post war and ceded Sarawak to Great Britain as a Crown Colony. Subsequently, a series of 1, 5 and 10 Cent notes were being prepared for Sarawak during the final days of the Pacific War. These currency notes could be quickly and inexpensively printed and shipped to Sarawak pending approval. However, it is likely that they were never printed for circulation, and none were issued due to the handover of Sarawak to the British Government and the termination of the project. It is important to note with this series that all the banknotes are inscribed "For the Government of Sarawak", rather than "Treasurer of Sarawak" which title previously appeared on all currency notes up to 1941.
Due to printers annotations we are able to deduce that it only took slightly more than 3 months to approve and produce designs of this emergency series.
As a final point of interest we would like to draw attention to the facts that upon close inspection all 3 photographs have a slightly different appearance than final printer's designs, notably that the photographs were designed for the Treasurer of Sarawak as opposed to the Government of Sarawak, the title that appeared on the finished notes.
Additionally, these notes were missing in the 3 most important collections formed to the present day. The collection of Dr. Chan Chin Cheung, which was published in 1991. The Steven Tan collection sold by Spink in auction in July 2008. This set is also missing from the extensive Frank Goon reference collection.
This auction present a unique opportunity for collectors of South East Asian currency and indeed other world banknote collectors to acquire this wonderful set together with some fascinating archival photographs of prototype designs that in all likelihood were sent to Sarawak for the final approval of the Rajah.
Printer's design in PMG holders 65 EPQ Gem Uncirculated, 63 Choice Uncirculated and 55 About Uncirculated respectively. Archival photographs in PMG holders 66 EPQ, 65 EPQ, 66 EPQ Gem Uncirculated respectively. Rare and historically important (3 proofs, 3 photographs)


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Estimate
$60,000 to $90,000

Starting price
$60000