John will be visiting clients in Singapore at the end of March. If you are in Singapore and would like to see him please contact us on info@johnpettit.com to organise an appointment. Read More

I attended the recent Memphis International Paper Money Show (the major U.S. bourse) after a gap of some eight years.  Memphis, like the rest of the U.S., is of course a very different place these days, with around a third of the Main Street shops vacant and some precincts completely derelict.

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It’s important to keep in mind that the majority of notes you will handle will be made from some paper- which calls for particular care. While handling banknotes, be sure to observe the following guidelines to ensure that damage is avoided and care is taken...

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The oldest existing bank note came from 14^th Century China- a 1000 cash note, 225 by 340 mm with a pile of coins depicted front and centre...

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Grading banknotes accurately is more than discerning how damaged a note seems.  There is a basic level of understanding needed- an integral part of which is being able to recognise specific features of an original banknote. If you cannot identify these basic features- you won’t be able to draw any significant conclusions as to a note’s...

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Accompanying this article is an illustration of an unissued banknote, prepared for the Sydney Banking Company of Sydney. Of the banknotes prepared for issue by the Australian Banking Company, but never placed into circulation, this banknote is one of two types known to exist [i] . The Australian Banking Company failed in dramatic...

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During the 1820s New South Wales went through prosperous times but only one bank was reaping the benefits of the boom. While some companies had been issuing private notes for a number of years, such as the Waterloo Company, banking business was limited to the Bank of New South Wales. In January 1826 the Bank declared an impressive...

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