Our upcoming Hong Kong
Auction will feature one of the most sought after pieces in World Currency
collecting. Stack’s Bowers is pleased to offer the South Viet Nam P-4Ap 1000
Dong Proof for the first time in our history. This note is at the top of every
serious collector’s list for multiple reasons: its beauty, design, scarcity and
interesting history, as well as the high denomination and the degree of
difficulty of obtaining an example, especially a gem.
This note was proposed to
the government after the Thomas De La Rue Company was commissioned to create a
piece that represented the essence of South Viet Nam. The Old Man was printed
to signify dedication and longevity, while he stared at the temple that
represented the religious sentiment of the region. On the reverse a stunning
woman offers an aura equal to that of the Mona Lisa. The background displays a
boat on a lake with a mountainous landscape — a symbol of the beauty of the
area.
TDLR produced a few test
creations and ultimately the proposed design on the featured note was chosen.
Sadly, while this design was approved through the Proof and Specimen
stages, it was never issued, most likely due to the war. It is only available
as a Proof, or a Specimen. There are fewer Proofs available than Specimens,
however Proof examples lack the unique watermark of the old man that when held
to the light, is staring at the woman.
The note will be offered
in our live session of the Hong Kong Paper Money Sale in August. We are
currently accepting consignments for the rest of our 2016 auction season. If
you are interested in consigning or if you have a currency related question
please call 1-800-458-4646 or email Currency Specialist Aris Maragoudakis at amarkis@stacksbowers.com or Director of Currency Peter Treglia
at petert@stacksbowers.com.
