52nd Auction - Coins & Banknotes - Day 1

Mauritius: The Government of Mauritius, 10 Shillings or 2 1/2 Dollars of Mauritius 186x remainder, P
The Government of Mauritius, 10 Shillings or 2 1/2 Dollars of Mauritius 186x remainder, P.11r with printed serial number 346529 and without signature and date. This extraordinary rare banknote is one example of the 1860-1873 Issues and represents the very first series of banknotes ever produced by Thomas De La Rue which was founded in 1821 and it's today the largest banknote printing company in the world.
They were printed by copperplates on paper and they present the first ever paper currency prints for the Government of Mauritius (comprising £5, £1 & 10 Shillings printed in color and micro-lettering that represented a milestone in design and security for the time. Afterwards they were bound in books with 500 pieces each.
It is recorded that one of the shipments of notes got lost on the way to Mauritius while the Royal Mail ship "Athens" sunk during a hurricane in Table Bay, South Africa on 17th May 1865. These notes were withdrawn in December 1934 and a total value of 3,383 Pounds of the 1860 series notes remained outstanding that time. But only a few pieces survived and today maybe a handful of them are known in private collections. So, this is an outstanding rarity in great original shape. Two vertical folds at left and right center, one along right border, minor margin split and a few rusty spots, but still strong and crisp paper and for sure a must have for any collector. Condition: VF. Extraordinary Rare!
For this lot an additional 7% for Import Expenses (Taxes) will be charged.