Antique currency to go under the hammer

Although antique paintings and ceramics are more common items to go under the hammer, Scottish banknotes are soon to be up for grabs.

Banknotes

Rather than antique paintings or silver at an upcoming auction, two more unusual items are likely to catch buyers' eyes - a pair of century-old £5 notes. The Scottish banknotes are still legal tender yet are expected to sell for much more - up to £2,000 each, the Press and Journal reports.

Michael O'Grady is a consultant for London-based auction house Dix Noonan and said there are increasing numbers of people collecting paper money, just as others do stamps and old coins. Commenting on the notes, he added: "Back then £5 was a lot of money, so they would have been handled very carefully and securely."

According to the publication, they are currently owned by a private collector. The news follows a recent sale that hit the headlines for its jaw-dropping price. A signed first-edition copy of Emma by Jane Austen - believed to have originally been given to her friend Anne Sharp - was bought for £325,000.

Upload a photo
Upload a photo of your item
Item is valued
Experts value your item
Receive valuation
We send you your valuation