Rare Notes Crossing Auction Block

World Banknote Auctions’ Sale 26 is expecting good results. The highlight of the auction are two notes from Qatar and Dubai, both are seldom offered for sale. The first is a 1966 Extremely Fine 25 riyals. This key note issued in Dubai in 1966 is the product of a currency alliance between Dubai and Qatar. The series, which consisted of a 1 Riyal, 5 Riyals, 10 Riyals, 25 Riyals, 50 Riyals and 100 Riyals were printed by the British firm of Bradbury & Wilkinson. All denominations had the same design, but the colors are different, and the sizes increase with each denomination. The 25 riyals is the lowest issued in the series.

The example being offered has only light signs of circulation and the design has maintained its vibrancy. This note is expected to bring fierce bidding with an estimate of $30,000.

The second note highlighted in this auction is another note from the same series, the 50 riyals. The 50 riyals is the second lowest issued note in the series, with an estimate of only around 2,400 notes. Qatar and Dubai were British Protectorates until 1971, and in the 1960s they formed a joint Currency Board to administer the issuance of coins and notes. This union would be replaced in 1973 by the independent issuers of the newly formed State of Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Most of the higher denominations of the old Currency Board were redeemed, making this note very scarce today.

The 1966 50 riyals is graded Choice Very Fine 35 and has an estimate starting at $15,000.

More information can be found at https://www.worldbanknoteauctions.com/