World. - 22 banknotes - various dates

This extraordinary estate collection is a vivid numismatic timeline of 20th-century Europe. Spanning from the twilight of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through two World Wars to the dramatic hyperinflation of 1947, this lot features rare paper currency, emergency issues, and multiple variants of iconic banknotes. It is a true "collector’s find," offering a deep dive into the political and economic shifts of the era.

The Historical Inventory

1. The "Giants" of Hyperinflation (1947)
• 5,000,000 Lei (June 1947): The absolute peak of Romanian inflation. This massive note is the centerpiece of the lot, featuring complex rural artwork and high historical demand.
• 1,000,000 Lei (April 1947): A crucial high-denomination companion from the pre-reform crisis.
• 100 Lei (1947 - "The Three Portraits"): A rarer, sought-after post-war issue featuring Nicolae Bălcescu, Gheorghe Lazăr, and George Enescu.

2. The Royal House of Romania & Ministry Issues
• 5,000 Lei (1940 - King Carol II): An elegant large-format note with the King’s portrait in the watermark.
• 500 Lei (1941): Featuring the legendary Peleș Royal Castle, a symbol of the Romanian Monarchy (2 bancnotes).
• 1,000 Lei (1941 & 1945 variants): Multiple examples of the wartime and post-war paper issues with rich peasant iconography.
• Ministry of Finance Small Issues: Includes the rare 20 Lei (1945) and the miniature 10 Bani (Ferdinand I) state notes—tiny but highly collectible pieces of "emergency" currency.
• Multiple 100 Lei (1945): A diverse group of 6 banknotes from the Ministry of Finance. This group includes various preservation states, allowing for a study of different printing series.
• The Scarce 5 Lei (1928): A rare interwar piece that is increasingly difficult to find in any collection.

3. War, Empires & Occupations
• Rare WWI Occupation Set (Cassa Veneta dei Prestiti, 1918): A highly collectible set of 1, 2, and 20 Lire issued by Austro-Hungarian forces for occupied Italian territories.
• Austro-Hungarian Empire (1912): 100 Kronen and 100 Száz Korona banknotes—majestic, large-scale currency from the final years of the Empire.
• WWII Nazi Germany (1942): A 5 Reichsmark note issued by the German Reichsbank, a dark but essential artifact of wartime history.

These banknotes are uncertified (raw). The grading provided is my personal opinion. This lot contains banknotes in a variety of conditions; while some are crisp, others show heavy circulation, edge wear, or toning consistent with their age. Please examine all high-resolution photos carefully to form your own judgment before bidding. Every item in this lot is guaranteed to be an original period issue from a private collection. No reproductions. Worldwide shipping via insured express courier with tracking. Please note that the buyer is responsible for any customs fees or import taxes applicable in their jurisdiction.