1961 One Pound Star Note Coombs/Wilson R34bS PCGS 66PPQ

Front: Elizabeth II at right

Back: Charles Sturt and Hamilton Hume at centre

Period on Issue: January 1961 ~ February 13th 1966

This note remains in incredible quality for such a rare QEII star note - crisp and original.

Production numbers covering each of the four denominations in the QEII banknote series show us that the one-pound note was easily the most readily-used banknote in Australia at that time - it accounted for more than half of all of the notes in circulation. As a regularly-trusted and valued medium of exchange, the QEII one pound note evokes fond memories in many Australians more than half a century after it was first printed.

Star replacement notes such as this one were used to replace notes that were misprinted during the printing process - they are incredibly rare, and are keenly sought by experienced banknote collectors. The best research conducted to date into these notes by Mick Vort Ronald indicates that only one 1-pound star replacement note in the QEII era would have been seen in every 355 notes - the average person would have had to search through 4 fresh bundles of original notes straight from the bank to have any hope of finding one.

Newspaper adverts from the time show us that £400 was about 1/3 the price of a new Holden at that time, clearly few people would have had access to that amount of cash.

The intaglio ink on this note is raised and the colours are vivid. When we remind ourselves that it's a rarer star replacement note, that quality becomes all the more meaningful.

Click the PCGS icon below to verify the certificate details for this note directly on the PCGS website.

PCGS Certificate Number: 42520602

SKU: 2925