1469
Empire. Russo-Asiatic Bank. Harbin. 50-Dollars, undated (1910) (Pick S465; S/M O5). In PMG holder
graded Choice UNC-64 Net, Foreign Substance, paper quality is choice with no hint of any circulation
but net graded was because the “foreign substance” found on both sides, which would have been there
when the note as issued and should not considered as a defect. A classic rarity of Chinese currency
and one of the most splendid pieces available to collectors in today’s market.
$ 13,000
The Russo-Asiatic Bank was originally founded in St Petersburg with its financial background being Russia and France. Like
all other foreign banks, the Russo-Asiatic Bank entered China to represent the Russian interest since 1896, and got expanded
the same year by financing the construction of China Eastern Railway, and earned financial support from China. Due to the
political function of this bank, its existence was not considered necessary after WWI and the collapse of Imperial Russia, and
in 1926 the bank was finally closed down after suffering a major financial loss of £5,000,000.
1470
Empire. Russo-Asiatic Bank. Harbin. 100-Dollars, undated (1910) (Pick S466; S/MO5). In PMG holder
graded Choice AU-58 EPQ (only one example graded higher by PMG at 65 for the type), light traces
of circulation around the four corners, otherwise a beautiful problem-free note showing all details of
the original design.
$ 8,500
As one of the most popular foreign bank issues in China, these Russo-Asiatic banknotes always attract extra attention due to
the scarcity and dramatic history of the bank. A good partner for the 50-Dollar from the same bank in the previous lot.
