Irish £50 note breaks world record price

29/09/2006 - 17:04:43
Believed to be one of the rarest Irish banknotes in existence, an Irish £50 note sold in London today for £27,600, a new world record price.

The Bank of Ireland £50 note, dated May 5, 1827, is probably the only one of its kind in private hands today. It bears the serial number 1362 and is printed on Bank of Ireland watermarked paper.

“The room was packed from the start,” said Caroline Weiner, Banknotes Specialist at Spink Auctioneers.

“When the Irish note came up for sale people sat straight up in their seats awaiting the bidding frenzy. And what a frenzy it was!

“Four bidders fought it out in the end and the winning bidder, who must remain anonymous, was thrilled.

“It was exciting to watch and we are very pleased with the result.”