Australia’s first banknote, the 10 shilling note, with the serial number M000001 printed 100 years ago and found in a letter in England in 1999, has gone on sale. The note which was issued on May 1, 1913 now expected to reach a $3.6 milion. The banknote was presented Prime Minister Andrew Fisher to Judith Denman, the five-year-old daughter of the governor-general at the time, Lord Denman.
It was discovered in 1999 and acquired by a private collector in Sydney for A$1 million in 2000, and then sold at auction in 2008 for A$1.9 million.
The note symbolised one of the most important periods in the country’s history, the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. According to coinworks chief executive Belinda Downie, coin will reach at least $3.6 million which would be the highest price paid for an Australian coin or banknote.
The note was the initiative of the prime minister of the day, Fisher, and his Labour government who wanted post-colonial Australia to have a better sense of national identity. This piece of history will surely interest collectors all around the world, not just those who are bound with Australia.
The 10 shilling note is to go on exhibit in the Hall of Honour at the World Stamp Expo in Melbourne from May 10-15 before being offered for private sale.
