At our upcoming World Paper Money Auction at the New York International Numismatic Convention, we will offer Part 2 of a very special, and prestigious collection of scarce, and virtually unseen Argentinian paper money from the collection of Robert J. Bauman, the writer of The Paper Money of Argentina. Many of the notes in this collection are Rarity-7, meaning that there are no more than three known at the time this distinction was awarded. On many of these pieces this rating has been verified through access to collections in banks, museums, and in private collector’s hands.
Many of these pieces are Pick plate notes as they were either discovery pieces, or items that were nearly impossible to find at the time. Mr. Bauman provided the Pick catalog with images of such pieces. Some items are still not listed in the Pick catalog, and may be used in future editions.
One extremely rare piece is the Banco Munoz y Rodriguez 1883 7 Pesos Proof in lot 30029 , currently the only note known in the color of issue. The company ordered this odd denomination note based on the exchange rate at the time of 7 pesos argentinos equaling one silver peso boliviano. To gain public acceptance, it could also be exchanged for national currency under the applicable law (ley). This coincided with the currency reform of 1883 when the Banco Nacional issued pesos backed by gold (moneda nacional de oro). However, by the time the proof note was sent to the company, the ability to redeem the Banco Nacional pesos for gold was eliminated and the exchange rate had changed. A color trial in blue was also prepared, which is in a bank collection. This is the only 7 Pesos note ever prepared in Argentina. Only the front of the note was prepared.
Other notes that should garner attention include an issued and specimen pairing of the S398 100 Pesos Casa de Moneda 1848 design in lot 30011. The issued example is in a PCGS Currency Fine 12 holder with the note being Stamp Cancelled. In the comments section PCGS notes Small Splits, Tears, and Minor Damage; Rust Stains; Minor Paper Scuffs. This reflects the typical condition for an issued note at this grade level. The Specimen is labeled as a proof on the holder, but has a specimen stamp at bottom left. The specimen note graded About New 50 by PCGS Currency, with just a mention of Missing LR Corner, Small Edge Tears, and Minor Stains.
Many additional significant and scarce pieces will be offered in our auction that takes place at 2:00 PM EST on January 11, 2019, at the Grand Hyatt in New York City . For further information regarding this collection please contact Aris@StacksBowers.Com. If you would like to register to bid, you may do so on our website, or contact Info@stacksbowers.com.
