A group of three Zanzibar Government banknotes has topped a World Banknotes auction in London held on October 3.
The notes originate from the British protectorate of the archipelago of Zanzibar, which was established in 1860. The African islands remained under British leadership until they attained independence in 1963.
The notes issued under the British protectorate are some of the rarest available to collectors on the current market. All three examples at the auction were in remarkable condition, with the 20 rupee note standing out as the finest.
 The attractive notes are some of the rarest available to collectors |
The 20 rupee note was first issued on August 1, 1916 and bears the red serial number 164484. A highly attractive note, its illustration shows a traditional dhow ship to the left with fruit pickers to the right. Hampered by margin splits at the bottom margin and some minor graffiti on the reverse, the note still achieved £32,000 ($51,559), sitting comfortably at the top-end of its £25,000-35,000 ($40,500-56,800) high estimate.
The sale saw the 10 rupee note come in just behind at £29,000 ($46,727). Issued on February 1, 1928, the note has the same illustration as the 20 rupee note, with a fold at the centre marring its otherwise extremely fine condition.
The five rupee note, which the auction house described as "a classic rarity", saw a 4.1% increase on its £12,000 ($19,500) high estimate, selling for $12,500 ($20,141).
Also starring was a 1930 five livres Lebanese note from the Banque de Syrie et du Grand Liban, which almost topped its £30,000 ($48,341) high estimate with a sale price of £29,000 ($46,729).
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