So, I've finally made the decision to finally focus on something, and that something is world currency. I've set a few guidelines for myself, such as I would REALLY prefer Uncirculated examples whenever possible, and from there on, nothing is off limits. I'm making the switch mainly because I think that collecting world gives me more insight into the history of the country. Banknotes after all, are like canvases. In addition to myself liking the history, I also love language, and foreign notes (especially ones in German!!!) give me a chance to learn bits and pieces of these other languages, and practice the ones I am currently learning. So, where should I start? I'm putting aside some money for the Midwest Coin Expo in Countryside in about 2 weeks (it's every 2nd Sunday of the Month), and I'm sure I'll find some gems there. I'm especially intrigued by German and Austrian Notgeld. I also will buy country lots on Ebay. You can get so many mint, uncirculated examples, in nice sets on ebay! It's wonderful. I really like exotic scripts, and so I think notes of Asia, the Baltic states, and the Arabic states will be my areas of concentration. But really, I'm just going to buy everything I can! Thoughts? Comments? Concerns? Gloom and Doom Predictions? Thanks!
I dabble in world bank notes. Lately, I've been focusing on three different areas- 1940's French notes - Early Mexican (and Central American) - and Pacific war-time notes (script etc.) I also like the Notgelds because of the variety and the fact they are relatively inexpensive but I haven't bought any of them at the moment. I also like the early French-African notes but they're priced a little to high for my budget. Polymer notes are also intriguing and there are a lot of countries that use them. They're colorful and some of the designs are beautiful. I don't have any advice, really. It would depend on your personal preference and budget.
There are a number of collectors here that specialize in World Bank Notes... I for one am not, however, I do own some specific notes that were gifted to me or that I purchased as a package. There are some wonderful designs and some very impressive collections here on CT by the collection owners. Maybe they will post some for you. Good luck and welcome to Paper. RB
Since you apparently live in the Chicago area, the best piece of advice I could give you is to make your way to Milwaukee on the second Saturday of every month to the meetings of the Midwest Chapter of the International Bank Note Society. The meetings are held at the North Shore Library on Port Washington Road. There are usually 20-25 people at the meetings. There is a show and tell portion, an educational program and an auction. People also bring in notes to sell. This has been going on for 21 years now. Contact Andrew Keene for more information and a copy of the meeting notice. Here is his email address: Andrewkeene@me.com I have attached a copy of the June meeting notice for reference. While I can appreciate your enthusiasm, simply buying all you can without some focus may lead to disappointment. Find a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money at a library or bookstore and page through it. At this point, even an old edition will be helpful to give you an idea of what notes are out there, what areas you may be interested in, and the relative cost of the notes in these areas. Most of all -- Have fun!
I started collecting currency about a year ago, but haven't focused on any series or country. However, I been buying a lot of South American and Mexican notes primarily because they are interesting and readily available and most sell for reasonable prices. I buy whatever I like or as I'm know to say "The next pretty face" Some of these notes are stunning. I'm ready to focus on series of notes. Recently bought a group of about fourteen world notes glued together with some of the notes having been signed by pilots and plane crews. I think it's from WWII. I picked it up at a local coin shop for $8.00. IMO, lettow's advice is right on the money, so to speak. Good luck & enjoy.
Some currency links: also, check American Banknote vignettes (see links) http://www.cointalk.com/t111554/ http://www.cointalk.com/t99082/ http://www.cointalk.com/t49797/ http://www.cointalk.com/t111785/ http://www.cointalk.com/t110506/ http://www.cointalk.com/t108958/ http://www.cointalk.com/f31/ http://www.cointalk.com/t104589/
I just really got into world notes last year. I have only one criteria for adding to my collection: Do I like the note? That is all that matters to me! If I like it, and I can afford it (really easy with most world notes...a big bonus for me!) I will bring it home. The one thing I really don't like on a note is staining. I passed on a few notes that I would have purchased otherwise if they did not have stains on them. I don't mind wear at all, circulated notes have a story to tell, like I related on the coin section here yesterday, I collect for history and the circulated notes MADE the history. With world notes you can get a lot of them for very low prices, especially compared to US notes of the same time. At my to date only coin show I found a dealer selling uncirculated notes for $1. And not just modern stuff, stuff back into the 40s! For a dollar! Another dealer was selling circulated stuff for 2 for a dollar. You can build a very large collection that way, and learn about a whole host of areas. I currently have 93 world notes in my collection, from 40 different countries. I have spent less than $50 for the entire collection. One of the notes cost me $20, so if it wasn't for that one note, my oldest from 1862, the collection total would have been less than $25! (I inherited some and some were gifts) Really, there is no wrong way to do it.
World notes is the way to go :hail: Just make sure that you do narrow down a bit on what you like, like a region or theme or time period. The world is too big, and too many notes look great out there. But like other members said, the cost of getting a world collection is a big plus - the competition to get world notes is far less fierce than the one to get nice US currency in XF and UNC grades. Post some notes when you get them!
I really enjoy 'The Realm' notes, that is, banknotes that are from countries that belong to The Commonwealth. They have the Queen on them, and so many countries are still part of the realm, but independent, it would be a great focus. At least, I think so! :kewl: Does anyone collect British/Realm notes (Jersey, Gibraltar, Bahamas, Fiji, Isle of Man, etc etc)? It's hard to find good pictures online of anything pre-WWII currency from these areas.
I'm sorry, but I had to chuckle a bit at this lead-in. "world currency" is any banknote from any country, so the concept of focusing in on world currency would seem to be an oxymoron, the absolute inverse of "focus"! You've got some great advice already, I agree generally with it all - find a niche, don't spend too much money until you do find a niche, get specialty catalogs for your niche so you can actually get the technical details about those notes. British notes would be a wonderful area. I collect French notes and can imagine it might be an effort of similar size (monumental, that is). Dave
I've always enjoyed World notes and have dabbled in them a bit for my collection over the years- primarily Russian notes. In recent years I have met a number who have outstanding coin collections and have small collections of World paper money. Although their collecting efforts are very specialized when it comes to coins and they have some very valuable collections, they collect World notes largely because the price is low and they simply buy what holds eye appeal for them. After having cataloged a number of World notes for our upcoming auction in Memphis, I have an even greater appreciation of the material and am working to expand my knowledge in that area. I've also been trying to find a few reference books on World paper money to add to my personal numismatic library beyond the Krause books. I've picked up a few references, but if anyone has recommendations, I'd love to hear them.
I made a few pickups on Tuesday, it just slipped my mind to post them here. All are Uncirculated: 5p British Armed Forces 6th Series 10p British Armed Forces 6th Series 1 Sen Indonesia 1964 5 Sen Indonesia 1964 1 Rupee Nepal 1991 5 Rupees Nepal 2002 Total Cost: $8 I'll be visiting the coin expo this Sunday, so I'm sure I'll pick up some nice notes there.
Very cool...I have an example of the British Armed Forces 5 new pence (6th Series) myself. Surprisingly to me it's my only British paper money, despite their ranking third most for coins in my collection.
