Ibercoin to Host Major International Banknote Week Featuring Close to 5,000 Rare Lots in Madrid

MADRID, SPAIN — Ibercoin, the prominent Madrid-based numismatic auction house, is preparing to host one of the most significant events on the global paper money calendar. The upcoming Ibercoin International Banknote Week, scheduled to take place from November 17 to November 19, 2026, will comprise three consecutive auctions dedicated entirely to collectible banknotes. The high-profile multi-day event will be held live in Madrid while simultaneously offering real-time online bidding to collectors, dealers, and numismatic enthusiasts worldwide.

Bringing together close to 5,000 carefully curated lots sourced from five continents, the expansive auction catalog spans more than three centuries of global monetary history. Ranging from an exceptionally rare Danish Treasury note issued in 1713 to the most recent contemporary state issues, the event is designed to appeal to both specialized institutional collectors and everyday numismatists. With international participation expected to be robust, the auction highlights Ibercoin’s growing stature in the upper echelons of the global numismatic marketplace.

The comprehensive sales catalog has been divided into three distinct thematic auctions, each representing a remarkable feat of collection-building. The first major component is the Asturica Collection Worldwide, cataloged as Auction #139, which will be held on November 17. This world banknote collection has been meticulously assembled with discernment over many decades. Its 1,374 lots span more than two hundred countries and territories, stretching geographically from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. The offering is particularly rich in historical series originating from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, featuring numerous Paper Money Guaranty (PMG)-certified pieces alongside an impressive selection of colonial issues and defunct state currencies.

The second major session, designated as Auction #140 and scheduled for November 18, features the Cifuentes Collection of South American banknotes. Recognized as one of the most comprehensive collections of Latin American paper money to come to the open market in recent years, this specialized segment comprises 1,548 lots. It demonstrates extraordinary strength in material from Guatemala, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, while also offering substantial holdings from Cuba, Peru, and Uruguay. The Cifuentes Collection is further elevated by the inclusion of scarce proofs, printer’s remainders, and highly coveted 19th-century issues, such as those produced by the historic Argentine Caja de Conversión.

Rounding out the triple-header is Auction #141, a diverse general world banknote auction scheduled for November 19. Comprising 2,067 lots from every corner of the globe, this sale is anchored by standout sections dedicated to France, the United States, Germany, Portugal, and China. Many of these pieces boast high-grade PMG certifications, including several designated as "Top Pop" items, ensuring that collectors across all budgetary levels and areas of specialization will find compelling material.

Highlights of the Asturica Collection Worldwide (#139) – 17 November

The opening day of the auction week introduces the formidable Asturica Collection, which features a vast array of global rarities. Among the most closely watched lots is Lot 3130, a Belgian 5000 Francs note issued on April 8, 1975, complete with replacement note status from the Banque Nationale (Pick 137). Described as extremely rare, its scarcity is underscored by the fact that only four examples have ever been certified by PMG, with this specific piece sharing the tier of second-best known copy at PMG 58. Bidding for this museum-quality European piece opens at 300 euros.

Moving to Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Lot 3177 presents a low-numeration (A0000293) 1 Marka note from Bosnia and Herzegovina issued around 1998 by the Central Bank (Pick 60a). Graded an exceptional PMG 67 EPQ, it commands a starting bid of 450 euros. It is joined by Lot 3203, a 1000 Leva note from Bulgaria dated 1948 issued by the National Bank (Pick 78a), carrying a PMG 65 EPQ grade and a 500 euro starting bid, and Lot 3353, a Czech Republic 5000 Korun note from 1993 in PMG 65 EPQ condition, also starting at 500 euros.

Early 20th-century European paper money is well represented by Lot 3364, a Czechoslovakia 50 Korun note from 1919 issued by the Republic (Pick 10). Despite minor professional repairs and a PMG 35 technical grade, it is considered extremely rare for surviving without extensive damage, drawing a starting bid of 700 euros. Other notable European offerings include Lot 3775, a low-numeration Lithuanian 50 Litu note from 1991 issued by the Bank of Lithuania (Pick 49a, PMG 63 EPQ, starting at 400 euros), and Lot 4071, an uncirculated Romanian 100 Lei note dated December 1, 2018, presented in its official governmental folder with a starting bid of 275 euros.

International highlights extend far beyond Europe. Lot 4336 features a high-denomination Viet Nam 5000 Dong note issued around 1951 by the National Bank (Pick 66a). Boasting an impressive PMG 66 EPQ grade for such an early high-value issue, it opens at 450 euros. Meanwhile, Yugoslavian numismatics take center stage with Lot 4367, a 500 Dinara specimen note dated March 1, 1990, bearing the striking serial number AA0000000 from the Banque Nationale (Pick 106As). Certified at PMG 65 EPQ, population reports as of September 2026 confirm this piece as the ultimate Top Pop banknote for the type, with bidding set to open at 500 euros.

Cifuentes Collection South America (#140) – 18 November

The second day shifts focus entirely to the rich monetary heritage of South America and the Caribbean through the Cifuentes Collection. Argentine paper money leads off with Lot 5091, a 100 Pesos note dated November 5, 1881, issued by the Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (Pick S567p1). Graded PMG 53 and bearing authentic historical printer’s annotations, it carries a starting bid of 900 euros. Brazil is represented by Lot 5406, a substantial 500000 Reis note issued on December 6, 1906, by the Caixa de Conversão (Pick 99). Featuring a small hole consistent with contemporary handling and graded PMG 25, it opens at 1,000 euros.

Colombian banking history shines through multiple remarkable lots, including Lot 5598, a 50 Pesos note dated March 4, 1895, from the Banco Nacional (Pick 238), graded PMG 30 EPQ with a starting bid of 900 euros. It is complemented by Lot 5610, a 1 Peso Oro note dated August 6, 1938, issued by the Banco de la República (Pick 385a), graded PMG 55, starting at 800 euros.

Caribbean rarities command significant attention in this session, highlighted by Lot 5667, a monumental 1000 Pesos note issued on September 6, 1869, by the República de Cuba (Pick 60). Recognized as an exceptional rarity in Latin American numismatics and graded PMG 45, the lot opens at 2,000 euros. Central and Caribbean issues continue with Lot 5819, a Guatemalan 5 Quetzales note from January 29, 1945, issued by the Banco Central de Guatemala (Pick 16b, PMG 35, starting at 700 euros), and Lot 6047, a Haitian 2 Gourdes note from September 29, 1892, issued by the République d’Haiti (Pick 102a, PMG 25 EPQ, starting at 600 euros).

World Banknotes Online Auction (#141) – 19 November

The final day of the International Banknote Week features a diverse general catalog of global paper money. The Bahamas is prominently represented by Lot 7122, an extraordinary complete archival set comprising denominations from the 1/2 Dollar up to the 100 Dollars issued in 1970 by the Bahamas Monetary Authority (Pick 26/33s). Every note in the set is a specimen bearing the serial number 000000, preserved in its original presentation folder from the Bank of the Bahamas in Uncirculated to About Uncirculated condition, with a starting bid of 750 euros.

North American rarities feature strongly with Canadian currency. Lot 7279 presents a Dominion of Canada 4 Dollars note from 1900 (DC: 16). Representing the very first date of issue for this denomination, it is exceptionally rare and carries a PMG 25 grade with a starting bid of 2,000 euros. Furthermore, Lot 7282 offers a Bank of Canada 10 Dollars note from 1937 featuring the signature of J.A.C. Osborne (BC: 24a). Maintained in stunning condition, it is graded PMG 65 EPQ and opens at 800 euros.

Early European and Scandinavian pieces offer museum-level pedigree. Lot 7512 features a Danish Treasury 1 Een note dated April 8, 1713 (Pick A17). Highly sought after by specialized institutional collectors, this piece is preserved in condition graded better than Extremely Fine and commands a starting bid of 2,250 euros. Sweden is represented by Lot 8763, a 10 Kronor note issued in 1874 by the Sveriges Riksbank (Pick 3a). Graded PMG 25, population records as of September 2026 confirm it as the reigning Top Pop banknote for the issue, with only three or four examples having appeared at public auction since 1999. Bidding starts at 1,500 euros.

Additional highlights include Lot 8804, a Trinidad and Tobago 5 Dollars note dated January 2, 1920, issued by the Royal Bank of Canada (Pick S151a). Printed in Canada and bearing minor pinholes and ink notes alongside a PMG 20 grade, it starts at 2,000 euros. Finally, early American history is captured in Lot 8873, a Continental Currency 2 Dollars note dated January 14, 1779 (FR: CC-88). Certified at PMG 63 with a hinged designation, population records from early 2026 confirm it as the fourth highest-graded example known to PMG, with a starting bid of 1,250 euros.

Reflecting on the monumental scope of the upcoming event, Diego Gutiérrez Carranza, banknote specialist at Ibercoin, emphasized the dedication poured into the preparation process.

"This week holds special significance for Ibercoin," Gutiérrez Carranza stated. "With more than twenty years of experience in numismatic auctions, we aim to establish ourselves as a leading house for international banknotes. We have prepared each catalogue with the utmost rigour, with detailed descriptions, Pick references and high-quality photographs, so that collectors can bid with complete confidence."

All lots are currently available for viewing, and pre-bidding is open on the official Ibercoin website. Live digital bidding will also be accessible during the sessions. New clients wishing to participate in the live events are kindly asked to complete their registration at least 48 hours prior to the commencement of each auction.