Updates on Latest Version of RealBanknotes.com
by Proteus on May.10, 2012, under Website Updates
The latest version of the paper money collectors website RealBanknotes.com is still under construction. However, lots of progress has been made in the last couple of weeks, and although I can’t pin-point a date, I am hoping to have the latest version online soon. It features a much more elaborate database, with updated values, and added functions such as a members section and forums. However, be forewarned: the members section will be ready a few months after the launch of the site. The front-end will be online in the near future, and the back-end … well … in the future ;)
However, with the current version we are approaching 1.5 MILLION banknote views. Not bad considering that the site was launched just over a year ago. Anyways, enough pats on the back for myself.
Here is a preview of the new site:
Scarce Note: Turkey p119a, 1 Livre from 1926
by Proteus on May.03, 2012, under Recent Acquisitions
After recently missing an opportunity on a beautiful antique Nicaraguan banknote featuring a farmer plowing his fields with his oxen a new opportunity re-emerged with a similar scene on Turkish paper money. Pick 199a is a 1 Livre banknote from 1926, which is quickly becoming either very expensive or scarce on eBay, and features a man plowing a field using a couple of oxen. I wasn’t really looking for this banknote in particular, and it wasn’t really a bargain if I use the standard catalog of world paper money as a reference, but I think that it is one of those banknotes that will prove its investment value within a relatively short period of time. This one cost me $50. On the other hand, the lowest Buy It Now price on eBay, for a note in similar condition is $130, so suddenly it doesn’t seem like I overpaid!
Turkey p119a: 1 Livre from 1926
Paper Money from Peru: p67 (10 Soles do Oro from 1939)
by Proteus on Apr.28, 2012, under Recent Acquisitions
I know that old banknotes from Peru are not highly values, but their classical depictions of man, woman, and beast are irresistible. Personally, I don’t see these ever getting super-valuable, but at a few dollars apiece, many of these notes are attractive purchases both as moderate investments and for collectors value. It always puts a smile on my face when I manage to win a note that is 70+ years old, has a beautiful design, and I can buy for less than the cost of a coffee. Such is the case with this Peruvian banknote: a 10 Soles do Oro (suns of gold!) from 1939. Just a beauty of a note, in the South American style of the time. This one cost me $3.65 and will find a welcome place in my collection!
Peru p67: 10 Soles de Oro from 1939
Scarce Bolivian Note: 100 Bolivianos from 1911
by Proteus on Apr.24, 2012, under Recent Acquisitions
After having actually visited Bolivia, and in particular its bigger outdoor markets, I have come to the realization that any 50 or 100 Bolivianos banknote from either 1911 or the overstamped 1929 version of the same notes, are actually scarce and undervalued in the catalog. Hence, upon my return, I have been keeping my eyes open for pick 119, which is the 100 Boliviano banknote from 1911, without overstamp, to complete the set. Finally I had to settle on a note that is in VG condition, and ended up paying $21 for it. However, as I said, this note is scarce because even though I was able to find lots of banknotes in Bolivia, there was only one person who had any 50 or 100 Boliviano notes from this era. The few that this person had were in bad shape anyhow, and were going for approximately 2.5x face value, which would put my latest purchase at a street price, in Bolivia, of nearly $40USD.
If you are looking to complete a set, or collect this one, I suggest snatching up any 50 and 100 Boliviano notes that are under $20 and $40, respectively, that can be found on eBay. Here is the one I managed to win:
Bolivia p119: 100 Bolivianos from 1911 (without overstamp)
Napoleon Bonaparte: France p144a from 1960 (100 Nouveaux Francs)
by Proteus on Apr.20, 2012, under Recent Acquisitions
Well, its been a while, but admittedly it is taking a lot of work to produce the new version of RealBanknotes.com. I want the site to be perfect before I launch, but I’m sure its going to be a real improvement, and a huge opportunity for banknote collectors to form a unified online community.
Anyhow, I’ve been on eBay again, and have finally purchased a banknote which I have been trying to buy for a long time. It is a French banknote featuring the Arc de Triomphe at left and Napoléon Bonaparte at right. There are two variations of this note, the earlier version being a 10,000 Franc banknote, the latter, as in this case, being a later version of 100 Nouveaux Francs.
Yes, the edges are torn, and yes, there is a small stain, but considering the rarity of this banknote on eBay, I am very happy to get this one at a price I can afford.
France banknote pick 144a: 100 Nouveaux Francs from 1960 featuring Napoleon
RealBanknotes.com Website Updates
by Proteus on Dec.21, 2011, under Website Updates
Well, I’ve fallen behind in the blog … again. However, its not because of lack of interest or procrastination. I am in the midst of building a much improved version of RealBanknotes.com which will include better display and organization of banknotes (finally banknotes will be organized by pick number!!) Furthermore, the site will have its own blog, search, forums, top 10, featured auctions as well as a members section with advanced features such as value tracking, image uploading, and other such things.
I am also adding catalog values for 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011, as well as thousands of banknote images are being added to the gallery/listings.
As usual, I am open to suggestions for features and functions that you would like. Please let me know by emailing me at: proteus [at] realbanknotes.com.
I’m hesitant to post a screenshot, because the new website will be much more attractive than what it is at the moment, however:
RealBanknotes.com v3.00
Spanish 100 Peseta Banknote from 1940: Pick 118a
by Proteus on Nov.30, 2011, under Recent Acquisitions
I remember when I first started to collect paper money, some of the very first banknotes I bought were from the very beautiful 1928 issue, all of which featured very picturesque depictions of battles, colonization, and other such events on the reverse side. This latest addition to my collection isn’t quite as colorful, however I have always liked these classically styled banknotes, even when they are in monotone. This latest note was, I believe, a decent deal at $15.50. The man at center is none other than Columbus himself!
US Banknotes from Space?
by Proteus on Nov.29, 2011, under Interesting Articles
I’ve just recently received an email about a site that “catalogs and exhibits the world’s largest collection of space flown US $2 bills, spanning the entirety of manned US spaceflight”. Its kind of a different news post for the RealBanknotes.com blog, but it is kind of neat to read about this:
Astronauts, ground support crews, and even a few cosmonauts, have sometimes carried or sent U.S. $2 bills into the deep, black void of space during many historic missions that span manned spaceflight history.
Visit the Jefferson Space Museum website to read more and take a look at some of the bills.
Morocco p50: 10000 Francs from 1954
by Proteus on Nov.27, 2011, under Recent Acquisitions
Well, I managed to get my hands on a beautiful note lately. Its the Moroccan 10,000 Franc banknote from 1954 which features an aerial view of Casablanca. The note isn’t seen on eBay too often however one seller had three of them, and I did not mind paying $50 for the specimen pictured below. Its a beautiful note, and it is quite large as well. Wonder if I could find a Morocco 1953 5,000 Franc banknote on ebay
to get the high denominations notes from this set?
Morocco p50: 10000 Francs from 1954
