Specimen Banknotes for Sale
Discover a unique category of collectible paper money: specimen banknotes. These official printings were never circulated but were created for identification, training, or display. Often featuring zero serial numbers, special markings, or perforations, specimen notes are highly sought after for their rarity, clarity, and historical value.
What Are Specimen Banknotes?
Specimen banknotes are authentic prints of real currency produced for reference—not for circulation. These notes are typically labeled with terms like “SPECIMEN,” feature distinctive serial numbers such as “000000,” or include perforations and bold overprints. They are issued in limited numbers by central banks or renowned security printing firms such as De La Rue, American Bank Note Company (ABNC), Bradbury Wilkinson and Company (BWC), Waterlow and Sons, and Harrison and Sons. Their primary function is to help banks, law enforcement, and institutions verify design elements, test security features, train personnel, and prepare for the public release of new notes. Closely related to specimens are proof notes and color trials, which are also unissued designs created to test layouts, inks, or approval formats during the development of new currency.
Why Collect Specimen Banknotes?
Specimen banknotes are among the most intriguing and coveted items in the world of paper money collecting. Due to their limited distribution and distinct features, specimen banknotes have become highly prized by collectors. Their appeal lies in:
Their non-circulating status and limited availability compared to circulating currency
The use of overprints (“SPECIMEN,” “CANCELLED,” etc.) or perforations to ensure non-circulation
Zero serial numbers (000000) or special serial numbers that signal their test or sample status
Specimen banknotes offer a unique blend of official authenticity and exclusivity. Collectors prize these notes for their visual clarity, historical context, and the insight they provide into how currency was introduced, tested, and protected against counterfeiting. For investors, specimen banknotes often hold long-term value due to their scarcity, preserved condition, and the increasing interest in specialized areas of numismatics.
Historical and Educational Importance
Since the early days of paper currency, governments and printers have issued specimen notes as a controlled way to test and demonstrate new banknote designs before official release. These notes helped familiarize banks, law enforcement, and international institutions with new layouts and security features, ensuring a smooth transition to circulation.
Today, specimen notes continue to serve an educational function, especially in training programs and exhibitions. They are also essential reference tools for researchers, currency dealers, and collectors looking to understand the evolution of a country’s monetary system.
Specimen notes often reflect shifts in national identity, changes in political leadership, or the adoption of advanced printing technology—making them rich in both historical and design significance.
Specimen Banknotes by Country
At Numis Asia, our collection currently includes rare specimen banknotes from:
Bhutan – Specimen Ngultrum notes bearing clear overprints such as “SPECIMEN OF NO VALUE”, issued in limited quantities
Laos – Specimen kip notes marked with distinctive overprints in English and Lao scripts,
Thailand – Specimen Baht notes featuring iconic portraits of King Rama IX, overprinted with “CANCELLED” or the Thai equivalent of “SPECIMEN”.
Our specimen inventory is continually growing. We aim to include additional countries across Asia and beyond. If you're searching for a particular region, printer, or specimen type, feel free to contact us — we may already have what you're looking for or can help you source it.
Explore More Categories
Looking for specific types of currency? Try these:
All Banknotes - Full inventory of rare paper money
Specimen Banknotes – Official sample notes, often overprinted with “SPECIMEN”
Graded Banknotes (PMG/PCGS) – Professionally certified for condition and authenticity
Asian Banknotes – Currency from across Asia, including India, Thailand, and China
World Banknotes – Rare notes from Europe, Africa, and the Americas
Trusted by Collectors, Institutions & Investors
We understand the value of transparency and authenticity. Each specimen note is listed with high-resolution images and thorough descriptions. Whether you're a seasoned collector or discovering this niche for the first time, our goal is to offer you carefully selected, investment-worthy examples of specimen currency.
Looking for a Specific Note?
If you’re hunting for a specific issue or need help building your collection, contact us directly. We regularly source rare items and maintain a trusted network.