Lot 2693

Description

Reserve Bank of New Zealand, L.Lefeaux, 1st August 1934, ten shillings, letter only, Z000001 (P.154; L.601), the very first issue, serial number 1 as presented to A.D.Park, CMG, Secretary to the Treasury (1929-35). Glue adhering to the front top margin at edge where tipped into its original presentation frame, slightly toned, otherwise uncirculated and of the highest importance as the first ten shillings issued by the New Zealand Government.

Ex the Eric Moore and Gary Lavin Collections (Spink Noble Sale 44 lot 2858 and Noble Numismatics Sale 69 (lot 3075).

This note was printed by Thomas de la Rue and Co. Ltd, London and was presented to A.D.Park by the Directors of the Reserve Bank (see Sutherland, Allan 'Numismatic History of the New Zealand') the one pound note being presented to Rt Hon J.G.Coates, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Designs Committee (see next lot for the No.1 pound).

The numbering series prefixes commenced from the end of the alphabet and progressed in reverse order. The last note was IY 395000. Of the 11,395,000 issued 23,430 remain unredeemed (see Sadd, Alan "Curiosities in Serial Prefixes on New Zealand Reserve Bank œ notes" in IBNS Journal, Vol 27, No 3 & 4, pages 80-83). Purchased by Eric Moore at the auction of the effects of the late A.D.Park in the early 1980s. Compare this as a note of similar importance to the Number 1 note issued in 1913 by the Australian Government that recently changed hands for $825,000.