LONDON.- A unique and fascinating collection of archive material from the Allied Irish Bank (formerly the First Trust Bank) will be offered for sale in the first auction devoted to Irish Banknotes at Dix Noonan Webb, the international coins, medals, banknotes and jewellery specialists, on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 1pm at their auction rooms in central Mayfair - 16 Bolton St, London, W1J 8BQ. The proceeds from this sale of 120 lots will be spilt between Age Northern Ireland and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The rare and large collection of Proofs, Specimens and high grade issued notes from the Provincial Bank, Allied Irish Bank and First Trust Bank. The material has been split into three sections, each of which will be offered in a separate auction and includes many examples that haven’t been offered to the market before.

Adrian Moynihan, Head of AIB (NI) said: “With a long and proud history of supporting the Northern Ireland community, AIB is delighted to bring forward for auction its banknote archive in the hope and anticipation that it will raise significant money for two local charities.”

Thomasina Smith, Specialist at Dix Noonan Webb, commented: “We are very excited to offer this collection, which offers a great insight into the printing process and evolution of the Bank’s paper money before it ceased issuing in 2019.”

Among the notable items are four uncut sheets of 35 First Trust Bank £10 proofs from the 199496 issue which are estimated at £2,000-£2,600, while three uncut sheets of 24 First Trust Bank £100 dating from 1 March 1996 carry an estimate of £1,500-£2,000.

The sale also includes 200 lots of Irish Banknotes from various vendors, these include a rare and attractive high denomination Bank of Ireland £20, dating from 10 November 1915, which is expected to fetch £3,000£3,600.

The sale will be preceded on March 11 by a sale of Irish Coins and Medals which includes an extremely rare Free State (1921-1937) Proof Florin dating from 1934. Only one other specimen is believed known and this example is estimated at £8,000-£10,000; while a very fine and extremely rare silver Proof Crown dating from 1690, and the reign of James II (1685-1691) carries an estimate of £6,000-£8,000.