The June 18 auction of world paper money confirmed the growing “International” aspect of the Memphis International Paper Money Show. The size of the crowd in the Sheraton Hotel ballroom exceeded that for the session devoted to U.S. large-size notes the next day. 

According to Joel Shafer, world paper money specialist for the auction firm, Lyn Knight Currency Auctions, results were strong across the board and were characterized by good floor activity to accompany live participation over the Internet and mailed-in bids.

The top grossing note in the international session was a Pakistani Haj 100-rupee issue from 1950. These notes were issued due to currency controls and are overprinted FOR/PILGRIMS FROM PAKISTAN/FOR USE IN/SAUDI ARABIA AND IRAQ. It brought $76,375 including the 17.5 percent buyer’s fee in Choice Fine/Very Fine condition. Next, with an estimate of $35,000 to $50,000 and a final price of $58,750, was one of the first and rarest Bank of Canada notes, a $500 issue of 1935. It was graded by Paper Money Guaranty only Very Good 10, but fewer than 10 are known.

The British Commonwealth was particularly strong. Some examples: A Royal Bank of Scotland £100 note of March 19, 1969, graded About Uncirculated 50 realized $10,575 on an estimate of $850 to $1,250. From the Seychelles, a 100-rupee note dated 1.6.1975 went for $8,812 in Choice Uncirculated 63; and a PMG-graded Superb Gem Uncirculated 68 Exceptional Paper Quality 10-rupee note of May 1, 1963, sold for $7,637.

A French collection of close to 50 notes, according to Shafer, did surprisingly well, and a Philippine collection of 61 notes was consistently strong, led by a Philippine National Bank 20-peso note with 1919/1912 overprint in Fine at $12,925; there are said to be fewer than five examples known.

More from CoinWorld.com:

Policy by eBay exempts some numismatic items from Confederate flag ban

2015-W American Liberty, High Relief gold coin to be 1-ounce, $100 face value issue

1970-S Lincoln, Small Date cent discovery a keeper: Found in Rolls

Fake Mexico 1776 8-real coin: Detecting Counterfeits

A woman will be put on the $10 Federal Reserve note, U.S. Treasury announces

Keep up with all of CoinWorld.com's news and insights by signing up for our free eNewsletters, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Twitter. We're also on Instagram!