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Currency Notes: Not from collection, just for info

Currency notes information: On a lighter note this time, not from our collection:

The World’s Most Expensive Currency Note: A Juicy Slice of Numismatic History 🍉

In the thrilling world of currency collecting, where designs dazzle and rarity reigns supreme, one note towers above the rest — the legendary 1890 U.S. $1,000 Treasury Note, famously nicknamed the “Grand Watermelon Note.”

Why “watermelon”? Well, the curvy zeroes in the “1,000” look like big, round slices of watermelon — and collectors were eating it up.

💸 Here’s why it makes headlines:
Auction Price: A jaw-dropping $3.29 million (sold in 2014 by Stack’s Bowers)

Nickname: “Grand Watermelon” – for obvious fruity reasons 🍉🍉🍉

Only 7 Known Copies: Just 3 in private hands

Design: Features Civil War-era treasurer Edwin Stanton, but it’s those juicy zeroes that steal the show

Era: From a short-lived U.S. high-denomination series (used mainly between banks)

This note isn’t just expensive — it’s a slice of Americana, numismatic legend, and design quirkiness all rolled into one.

🥈 Other Jaw-Dropping Rarities Worth a Look:
Pakistan 1975 Haj Note (100 Riyal) – Printed for pilgrims only, extremely scarce.

Australia’s 1918 £1,000 Note – Colossal denomination, even more colossal value.

Zanzibar’s 1908 10 Rupees – Colonial beauty, worth a fortune if you find one.

If you ever feel guilty about splurging on a slightly over-budget collectible, just remember — someone out there paid over ₹27 crore for a note with fruity vibes and a Civil War guy on it. 😄

Let the collecting continue,
~Amit

Hey fellow collectors and curious minds!

Today, I’m taking you on a journey into Thai royal history through eight stunning 10 Baht commemorative coins, straight from my dad’s treasure trove. Each coin is a mini time capsule—rich in detail, steeped in history, and a testament to Thailand’s deep-rooted traditions.

👑 Princess Chulabhorn’s Graduation (BE 2522)
A nod to academic brilliance and royal responsibility—Princess Chulabhorn’s graduation coin is a reminder that learning never stops, even for royalty!

🎂 80th Birthday of the King’s Mother (BE 2523)
This regal beauty honors the Queen Mother Srinagarindra’s 80th birthday. The intricate pagoda design and stately portrait exude timeless elegance.

🪷 30th Anniversary of Buddhist Fellowship (BE 2523)
The Buddhist Wheel of Dharma symbolizes harmony and spiritual unity, while King Rama IX on the reverse brings in a calming sense of national pride.

🎉 36th Birthday of Princess Sirindhorn (BE 2534)
Known as the “Princess of Technology,” Sirindhorn’s 36th birthday coin is both elegant and full of promise—like the princess herself.

🎈 Queen’s 60th Birthday (BE 2535)
A diamond milestone, immortalized in silver and bronze: Queen Sirikit’s 60th birthday coin is all about royal poise and grace.

🎓 Centennial of Thai Teacher Training (BE 2535)
A tribute to educators—this coin celebrates 100 years of dedication and knowledge-sharing in Thailand’s teaching community.

🏛️ 100th Anniversary of Rama VII (BE 2536)
King Rama VII’s centennial, etched in bronze and honor, pays tribute to a monarch who helped modernize Thailand.

💍 Wedding of Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn & Princess Soamsawali (BE 2520)
A love story immortalized in metal: this coin celebrates the wedding of the now King Rama X and Princess Soamsawali—an emblem of union and tradition.

Beyond their stunning designs, these coins are cultural snapshots—each one a testament to Thai pride, legacy, and artistic mastery. Holding them feels like holding a piece of history, and every flip tells a new story.

✨ Stay tuned for more treasures from my dad’s collection—because there’s always another story waiting to be told.✨

.. Continuing: Notgelds: POW Notes:

1. Münster POW Camp Notes:

• Issuing Authority: Gefangenen-Lager I, Münster i.W. (Westphalia)

• Denominations: 1 Mark, 2 Mark, 5 Mark (and sometimes lower pfennig denominations)

• Features:
o Clearly marked “Kein öffentliches Zahlungsmittel” (not legal tender outside the camp).
o Some stamped with “Bank Abteilung” to mark them for accounting or cancellation.
• Purpose: Circulated only within the POW camp to regulate trade among prisoners and with the canteen.

2. Inspection Notes of the 3rd Army Corps

• Denominations: Pfennig (1, 5, 10, 50), Mark (1, 2, 5, 10)

• Issuing Authority: “Inspektion der Kriegsgefangenenlager im Bereich des III. Armeekorps”

o They were issued to maintain a closed-loop economy, not for external circulation.
________________________________________
3. Cassel (Kassel) Camp Notes
• Issuing Authority: Gefangenen-Lager Cassel
• Denominations: Pfennig to Zehn Mark (10 Mark)
• Features:
. “UNGÜLTIG” stamps are visible on some, marking them as void or demonetized.
. These too were only valid within the camp.

Inspection der Kriegsgefangenenlager im Bereich des XVIII. Armeekorps
✅ Issuing Authority:

Inspektion der Kriegsgefangenenlager im Bereich des XVIII. Armeekorps

4. This translates to the “Inspection of the Prisoner of War Camps in the Area of the XVIII Army Corps.”

These notes were issued by the German military authority in charge of overseeing POW camps under the XVIII Army Corps, values from 1 pfenning to 10 marks.

Amazing, right?

Notgeld notes: POW Camps:

Gefangenen-Lager Dyrotz (Dyrotz Prison Camp) notgeld notes from World War I or the immediate post-war period.
• Issuer: Gefangenen-Lager Dyrotz, which translates to “Dyrotz Prisoner of War Camp.”
• Location: Dyrotz was a German prisoner-of-war camp.
• Period: Primarily World War I (1914–1918) and the immediate aftermath.
• Use: These notes were “Gutscheine” (vouchers) used within the camp economy to facilitate trade among prisoners and camp stores. They were not valid for general 

Denominations
• 5 Pfennig
• 50 Pfennig
• 2 Mark
• 3 Mark
• 5 Mark

 Significance
• These notes were used by prisoners of war within the camp, functioning similarly to a controlled barter system.
• They were part of a closed economy that provided limited purchasing power for prisoners, often for food or small necessities.
• The issuing authority was the camp command, and the notes were valid only within the camp (no use outside).
• Such notes are notgeld (“emergency money”) but from a prisoner of war camp, which is a rarer and more specialized notgeld subset. 

(Some more coming up in next post)

Collectible Disney-themed prepaid phone cards issued by China Telecom .

Featured:

1.Elsa .. fromh the Disney movie Frozen

2.Mickey Mouse: No intro needed.

3.Pinochhio: No intro needed – his nose growing when he lies, was a part of childhood tales.

4.Winnie The Pooh: Another much loved character.. comic strips come regularly in newspapers all over the world .

1. Danzig (Freie Stadt Danzig) – 10 Pfennige, 1923

Region: Free City of Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland)

Background: Danzig was a semi-autonomous city-state under League of Nations protection after WWI, separated from Germany and Poland.

Coin Significance: Coins like these were minted for use within Danzig during its short period of independence (1920–1939). Germany annexed it in 1939.

2. Eritrea (Italian Colony) – 1 Lira, c.1890s

Reign: King Umberto I of Italy (1878–1900)

Context: Part of Italian colonial expansion in East Africa. Eritrea was Italy’s first colony in Africa.

Mint Details: These coins were minted in Italy for use in Eritrea and often bear Latin and Arabic inscriptions.

3. Greenland – 1 Krone, 1926

Denomination: 1 Krone

Issued by: Danish administration (Greenland was a Danish colony)

Obverse: Royal Danish coat of arms

Historical Note: Greenland coins are rare due to the low population and circulation volume.

4. Guadeloupe – 1 Franc, 1903

Design: Depicts the “Indian Chief” allegorical figure, Karukera being the indigenous name of Guadeloupe.

Issuer: French Republic for use in overseas territories

Capital Mentioned: Basse-Terre

5. Italy – 2 Portrait Coins

a) Umberto I of Italy – 1881

Text: “UMBERTO I RE D’ITALIA 1881”

Note: Beautiful crowned portrait of King Umberto I.

b) Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy

Text: “VITTORIO EMANUELE III RE D’ITALIA”

Reign: 1900–1946

Significance: King during both World Wars. His coins span Italian kingdom and colonial periods.

6. Italian Somaliland Coins

a) 1 Rupee, 1910 – Italian Somaliland

City Noted: Mogadiscio (Mogadishu)

Language: Trilingual coin – Italian, Arabic, and local design motifs

Ruler: Vittorio Emanuele III

b) ½ Rupee, 1913 – Italian Somaliland

Ruler: Vittorio Emanuele III again

These stamps are delightful collectibles celebrating two of Europe’s most beloved comic book universes: Astérix and Tintin.

🛡️ Astérix Stamps (Image 1)
📌 General Info:
Theme: Astérix the Gaul

Issued by: La Poste (France)

Occasion: Journée du Timbre (Stamp Day)

Year: 1999

Surcharge: “3.00 + 0.60” means the stamp was sold for 3.60 francs, with 0.60 francs going to a postal-related charity or fund.

📬 Depiction:
Main character Astérix with his loyal dog Idéfix (Dogmatix).

One block includes Obélix and Getafix (the druid) in the background.

The style mirrors Albert Uderzo’s artwork, co-creator of the series with René Goscinny.

🎖️ Importance:
Commemorates the Journée du Timbre, a traditional philatelic event in France.

Highlights the cultural pride in French comic literature—Astérix is globally recognized and a symbol of French creativity.

This issue celebrated the 40th anniversary of Astérix, first published in 1959.

💰 Collector Value (as of 2024):
Individual stamps: €2 to €5 each, depending on condition and demand.

Mini-sheet with background illustration: €6 to €12.

Complete and mint condition sets: Fetch higher prices, especially in thematic (topical) collections focused on comics or French culture.

🕵️ Tintin Stamp (Image 2)
📌 General Info:
Theme: Tintin and friends

Issued by: La Poste (France)

Occasion: Fête du Timbre (Stamp Festival)

Year: 2000

Surcharge: 3.00 + 0.60 F (for similar charitable purposes)

📬 Depiction:
Central stamp features Tintin and Snowy (Milou) running.

Border illustrations show iconic characters:

Captain Haddock (top left),

Professor Calculus (bottom left),

Thomson & Thompson (bottom right),

A waiter slipping (classic comic mischief).

🎖️ Importance:
Tintin is the most internationally successful Belgian comic character, created by Hergé in 1929.

The stamp celebrates Tintin’s popularity at the turn of the millennium.

The sheet reflects the timeless appeal and broad cast of characters from The Adventures of Tintin.

💰 Collector Value (as of 2024):
Single stamp alone: ~€3–€6

Full illustrated sheet: €8 to €15 (depending on condition and presentation)

Collectors of Tintin memorabilia (a very active community) are particularly drawn to mint and well-preserved philatelic issues like this.

🎂 Bonus: Anniversaire Stamp
Issued by La Poste as a birthday-themed children’s stamp, likely from the early 2000s.

Depicts a cartoon character (Noddy, from Enid Blyton books, for those who remember) holding a cake with the word “Anniversaire” (Birthday). Noddy, recognizable with his blue hat and jingle bell, is cheerfully holding a birthday cake.

“ANNIVERSAIRE” is written in colorful, playful lettering, emphasizing the stamp’s use for birthday greetings.

Not high in philatelic value, but fun for thematic collectors.

This will be new to many readers.

1. MUSCAT & OMAN / SULTANATE OF OMAN

Historical Background

• These coins capture Oman’s evolution from the Imamate and Sultanate period under Fessul bin Turkee (Imam of Muscat & Oman, 1888–1913) to Sa’id bin Taimur (Sultan 1932–1970).
• The currency denominations such as Anna, Baisa, and Buqsha show Indo-Arabic influence and transition from Indian currency system to independent issues.

Notable Coins

• ¼ Anna (AH 1305 / 1888 AD): Issued under Fessul bin Turkee, Indo-Arabic influence evident.
• 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 Baisa coins (AH 1350–1390): Under Sultan Sa’id bin Taimur, many of these were minted in India and the UK, showing Oman’s modernizing economic links.
• Coin marked “Dhow” (1962): The 5 Baisa coin showing a dhow symbolizes Oman’s maritime heritage.
• The meticulous annotation “Now called Oman” reflects the post-1970 renaming and modernization under Sultan Qaboos.

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2. PALESTINE MANDATE COINS (British Mandate Era 1927–1948)

Historical Background

• These coins were issued under British rule, with legends in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

Notable Coins

• 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 mils: The mil was the subunit of the Palestine pound. These coins are iconic due to their trilingual inscriptions.
• 1935, 1942, 1945 coins: Especially rare are high-grade coins from WWII years due to metal shortages.
• Olive branch emblem (50 and 100 mils): Signifies peace—symbolically rich given the region’s history.

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3. QATAR & DUBAI / HEJAZ / MECCA / MUTAWAKKILITE KINGDOM OF YEMEN

Historical Background

• The Qatar & Dubai currency (1966) is a brief but fascinating series prior to Qatar and Dubai joining other currency unions (e.g., UAE Dirham and Qatari Riyal). The goitered gazelle on coins is a national symbol.
• The Hejaz & Nejd coins represent pre-Saudi unification era, under Ibn Saud and Husain bin Ali. These coins often used the ghirsh denomination (Ottoman in origin).
• Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen (Sana’a): These coins from the early 20th century AH 1351–1371 are scarce and show Islamic inscriptions, pre-dating the Yemen Arab Republic.

Notable Coins

• 1 Dirham (1966 Qatar & Dubai): Marked as joint currency before Qatar issued its own riyals.
• Hejaz ¼ Ghirsh coins (AH 1334–1341): Important transitional coins showing Saudi consolidation.
• Mutawakkilite Yemen 1 Buqsha: Coins of Al-Nasir Ahmad bin Yahya, many from Sana’a mint, are seldom found in such preserved state.

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Key Highlights of the Collection

• Impeccable presentation: Neatly labeled with dates in both Hijri (AH) and Gregorian, mint details, rulers’ names, and even historical notes (e.g., “Now Sultanate of Oman”, “Dispute between Jews and Arabs”).
• Rare denominations: Several low-denomination coins like ¼ ghirsh and 1 mils are hard to find in good condition.
• Historical transitions: Coins reflect political shifts—from British Mandate to national currencies, and from fragmented emirates to unified nations (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman).

Art Collection: Hand Drawings

Sharing some of Dad’s hand drawn cartoons, using popular comics as a reference.

You know them all, of course. 🙂