Lot 1557

Description

The Colonial Bank of Australasia, Melbourne, five pounds, dated 1st May 1886, (date fully printed), not numbered, proof on card, unsigned, no watermark, no imprint, vignette in centre of modified Royal Arms, value tablets in corners as geometrical round circles with 5 inside, all within rectangular border, states below, 'Promise to pay the Bearer on Demand at the Office here FIVE POUNDS Sterling. By order of the Directors', black on white, (Vort-Ronald, Type three (a), comments on bank and type p.128-132, one pound note of similar type illustrated Fig. 138 [p.131]). Gum adhesion at back, has been folded, otherwise extremely fine and extremely rare.

The Colonial Bank of Australasia Limited (1856-1918) used a local producer Sands & McDougall of Melbourne for this proof although lacking an imprint. This five pound proof is the only higher denomination proof from this bank known to be in private hands.