Nicaragua - 1972 - 1,000 Córdoba - P128a

Country / Region: Nicaragua

Denomination: 1,000 Córdoba

Year: 1972

Grade: Uncirculated

Pick: 128a

Dimension: 155 mm x 67 mm

Figure (Obverse): Anastasio Somoza García

Figure (Reverse): Ciudad de Managua, capital city of Nicaragua

Helen’s Score: 7.0/10

Interesting Fact: This is a rather rare banknote especially in such pristine condition and with serial number 255555. The note depicts A. Somoza, two-time president of Nicaragua from 1937 to 1947 and from 1950 to 1956. Having said that, he effectively started a "dynasty" with the Somoza family ruling the country for 44 years over three generations. There is a very interesting myth concerning A. Somoza, when US President Roosevelt supposedly remarked in 1939 that "Somoza may be a son of a bitch, but he's our son of a bitch." (source: Wikipedia). It was asserted by Andrew Crawley (author of the book "Somoza and Roosevelt: Good Neighbour Diplomacy in Nicaragua, 1933-1945"), that this is probably a myth created by Somoza himself, perhaps to demonstrate his close relationship with the US and as a message that his actions in the country would not be interfered.

This note forms part of the "Dictators" series in my collection.

Albania - 1939 - 20 Franga - P7

Country / Region: Albania

Continent: Europe

Denomination: 20 Franga

Year: 1939

Grade: Uncirculated

Face Value (as at 2014.03.15): cannot be determined

Pick: 7

Dimension: 189 mm x 106 mm

Figure (Obverse): Athena and the Capitoline Wolf

Figure (Reverse): Flag of Albania (black double-headed eagle)

Helen’s Score: 7.8/10

Story: Being 1939, I think this is the oldest banknote in my current collection. Surprisingly it’s in a very well-kept and uncirculated condition. I didn’t plan to purchase this, as my goal on Albanian banknote is the 1996 set from P62 to P66. I was sold due to a rather uncommon security feature: double watermarks. This is the second note I bought from Stephen.

Interesting Fact: I never knew there was a currency unit called Franga until I learnt of this banknote. Relatively little was known of this obsolete currency, other than that each unit was equivalent to 5 lek (see here), the current monetary unit in Albania. It had a nickname called Leku Zogut, and was used in the Albanian Republic and Albanian Kingdom under Zogu. There’s a 100 Franga with a nice design, but so far in 12 months I’ve been unable to locate one with at least Almost UNC condition.

Vietnam - 1975 - 5,000 Dong - P35

Country / Region: Vietnam
Continent: Asia

Denomination: 5,000 Dong

Year: 1975
Grade: Uncirculated
Face Value (as at 2013.03.15): about USD0.24
Pick: 35
Dimension: 152 mm x 75 mm

Figure (Obverse): Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City

Figure (Reverse): The Leopard

Helen's Score: 6.2/10 (apparently she’s not very fond of the fierce leopard… I personally give this one a 9 at least!)

Interesting Fact: This is it - the legendary “The Leopard” banknote from Vietnam! I’m thrilled to be able to finally add this fine gem (what’s more, in UNC) to collection. It seems that while The Leopard is really sought after, not many stories related to it are widely available on the Internet. Would really appreciate if anyone could point me to sources where I can learn more about its related history. From what I can find now (a nice single informative page here), the economy of South Vietnam made a turn for the worse and inflation soared in 1973-74. The government issued 5,000 and 10,000 dong banknotes despite public disapproval. Accordingly, they were only used 2 months before The Fall of Saigon. One can imagine that most of the printed banknotes were destroyed amidst the turmoil. However, a very few of these manage to survive, and have since become one of the most sought-after post-modern banknotes.

 

Country / Region: England
Continent: Europe

Denomination: 50 Pounds

Year: 1981

Grade: Uncirculated

Face Value (as at 2013.03.15): about USD75.71

Pick: 381a
Dimension: 169 mm x 95 mm

Figure (Obverse): Queen Elizabeth II

Figure (Reverse): Sir Christopher Michael Wren FRS
Helen's Score: 8.6/10
 

Interesting Fact: One of the joys of collecting banknotes is that I can always learn someone or something significant related to a particular country. From this splendid banknote from England, I learn about Sir Christopher Wren, one of the most respected architects in history. It amazes me that a man can at the same time be an acclaimed astronomer, geometer, mathematician-physicist and architect. Accordingly, his scientific work was cherished by the likes of Newton and Blaise Pascal.  One can read more about this great man here.

Country / Region: Armenia

Continent: Eurasia

Denomination: 100,000 Dram

Year: 2009

Grade: Uncirculated

Face Value (as at 2013.01.23): about USD246.65

Pick: 54
Dimension: 160 mm x 72 mm

Figure (Obverse): Abgar V of Edessa

Figure (Reverse): St. Thaddeus transferring the image of Christ to Abgar V of Edessa

Interesting Fact: Having received this splendid banknote on the day of our 2nd wedding anniversary is really great. Personally I think this note should have been a runaway winner of Banknote of 2009; instead the honor goes to the 2-dollar note from Bermuda. It's also beautiful, of course, but I like the Bermuda banknotes as a set (Flora & Fauna) rather than a standalone note from the series. What I find especially interesting is the back side of the 100,000 Dram note, which depicts St. Thaddeus transferring a portrait of the Christ painted from life to Abgar V. Quoting Wikipedia, "...As the legend later expanded, this portrait, purportedly painted by the court archivist Hannan during his visit to Jesus, is first mentioned in the Syriac text called the "Doctrine of Addai" (or Doctrina Addai; the name Addaei or Addaeus = Thaddaeus or Thaddeus), from the second half of the 4th century. Here it is said that the reply of Jesus was given not in writing, but orally, and that the event took place in 32 AD. This Teaching of Addai is also the earliest account of an image of Jesus painted from life, enshrined by the ailing King Abgar V in one of his palaces." Would be interesting if I could learn more on this.

 

Country / Region: Iceland
Continent: Europe

Denomination: 5,000 Krónur

Year: 2001

Grade: Uncirculated

Face Value (as at 2013.01.10): about USD38.83

Pick: 60

Figure (Obverse): Ragnheiður Jónsdóttir

Figure (Reverse): Ragnheiður instructing two girls in embroidery

 

Interesting Fact: Ragnheiður (1646–1715) was considered one of the finest marriageable women of her time. According to online sources, she was a skillful seamstress and she taught this with active enthusaism. When the Central Bank of Iceland introduced the banknote in 1961, they were trying to find imagery related to Icelandic women and their contribution to Icelandic culture. As of now, Ragnheiður remains the only female that graces the banknotes of Iceland, which is also my favorite piece from this beautiful and serene country by far.

Country / Region: Bhutan

Continent: Asia

Denomination: 1,000 Ngultrum

Year: 2008

Grade: Uncirculated

Face Value (as at 2012.06.25): about USD17.50

Pick: 34

Figure (Obverse): Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Figure (Reverse): Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu

Interesting Fact: King Wangchuck is seen wearing the Raven Crown (dbu-zhva bya-rog-can), which is the most distinguished symbol of the King of Bhutan. The Raven is the national bird of Bhutan. Killing a raven in Bhutan would lead to death penalty at one time.

One thing that caught my attention is the rim of the Raven Crown, which is decorated with the motif of tantric skull. The tantric skulls are decorations associated with wrathful deities. You can find out more information about the crown here.

King Wangchuck has been called “The world's most handsome king”. He married Queen Jetsun Pema on 13 October 2011 and issued a commemorative note for the occasion. It has since become my favorite banknote from Bhutan. Will post it up later.