Spectacular, Collectible World Checks

Last month we discussed some U.S. issues; this time the world is our venue. We begin with an Australian large size First of Exchange for 117 pounds 5 shillings 6 pence issued in 1870 from The Colonial Bank of Australasia, London office. It has a special stamp affixed at left with face value of two shillings- a meaningful bit of change in those years. The vignette at upper center smacks of royalty, and the whole demeanor of this piece is that of strength.

Bank notes from this period are mostly extremely rare and high-priced. An issue like this can represent the same area at a mere fraction of the cost of a currency note. Though such a piece is certainly scarce, it is not inordinately rare; when found, it can often be purchased for less