Lot 3013

Description

The Royal Bank of Australia, five pounds, Lauceston, not dated (18 printed), proof, not signed, with imprint on centre of bottom 'Perkins Bacon & Petch London, Patent Hardened Steel Plate' (MVR p.210-12 on bank, similar one pound note illustrated as Fig 218 on p.210). Unobtrusive rust holes lower left, a little aging tone, some ink smudging on the back, otherwise nearly very fine and very rare, especially for this city.

This proof issue of (second) The Royal Bank of Australia (1888-1927) is of some interest particularly as it utilised the same vignette and has some similarity in style to the defunct earlier Royal Bank of Australia (1840-1850). This new Royal Bank of Australia, remained small and conducted business in a cautious manner, consequently it survived the banking crises and crashes in the 1890s. It was eventually taken over by the E.S.& A. Bank in 1927. Ex Noble Numismatics Sale No.49B (lot 1602) Dr A.Nicholson Collection.