32nd International Auction

Banknoten - Australia: this highly rare Polymer testnote is from the series of the worlds first polymer banknotes tested already in 1977 at Note Printing Australia in cooperation with CSIRO Australia. In 1977, from a Joint Venture between RBA and CSIRO, this 50 AUD banknote was produced in just a few hundred copies of with only some single notes survived. The purpose of this banknote, named the "MARK 1" is to test the new technology on a real denomination banknote. The text on the front includes: "This Austalian note is legal tender throughout Australia and its territories". Despite the legal tender clause, the note was used in a controlled environment only and was never used as legal tender. Tests were conducted with these notes to explore the potential of polymer for producing banknotes. There are 2 different types existing, the "MARK 1A, CIT Moire" (Cat number S2X2) and the "MARK 1B" (Cat number S2x1) according to the "Polymer Banknotes of the Word" catalog. These notes were subjected to various materials and handling operations to identify their resistance. Many of them vere destroyed after the tests. Of those which survived only 10-20 pieces are in XF condition, the rest shows increased handling and use. We are proud to be able to offer these rare notes which are important for the banknote history in our auction. This note is the "MARK 1A, CIT MOIRE" Polymer testnote S2X2 with light handling in substrate but one of the better condition notes that survived. A true rarity. Condition: VF+. Catalog Price 1250,00