KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 22): A rare Sarawak $1 note, issued by the then Raj of Sarawak in 1919 when the State was under the Brooke Dynasty, has been bought by a Malaysian collector during a live auction held by London-based Spink & Son behind closed doors last Friday.
The note, estimated to be worth £18,000 to £20,000 (RM99,501 to RM110,557), was sold for £27,000. Plus a 20% commission to the auctioneer, a total £32,400 (RM179,103) was paid for the note.
The Edge, however, has learnt that the Malaysian buyer who bought the note does not wish to be identified.
The black and white note with a red 'No.2' printed on it, features a portrait of Charles Vyner Brooke, who ruled Sarawak from May 24, 1917 to July 1, 1946 at its top left corner. He was the last ruler or White Rajah, as the rulers of the Brooke Dynasty were then called, before Sarawak came under British control and subsequently joined Malaysia.