New Zealand's first government-issued banknote will cross the block at Stack's Bowers later this month.
The 10 shilling note was issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in 1934 and bears the serial number Z000001.
 The note features the serial number Z000001 |
It's in uncirculated condition, having been presented by the bank's directors to then secretary of the treasury AD Park as a keepsake.
It's expected to make around $50,000-100,000.
By contrast a 1929 New Zealand note, issue by the privately run Bank of New Zealand, realised just $11,500 in 2015, despite its earlier date.
While Kiwi currency might ordinarily have limited appeal outside of New Zealand, this extremely desirable serial number has an extended appeal to collectors abroad.
As director of bank note auctions, Manning Garret, explained to the NZ Herald: "It is unequivocally New Zealand's first government-issued banknote.
"There's a big international following for banknotes like this…
"These ten shilling notes feature a kiwi and a Maori chief and are quite rare. This would be a valuable note just for its condition alone.
"However, the serial number Z000001 moves the note into a category where it isn't just a rare collectible item, it is also a tangible piece of New Zealand's financial history."
Garret expects the winning bid will come from New Zealand, Australia, London or the US.
The sale will take place in New York on August 12.
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