We thought we knew all about the Cornish Stannary Town notes (see some descriptive notes below from our book.) However, the other day, a bond appeared which we'd never seen before. This 1974, one-pound bond surfaced on eBay and naturally we snapped it up. Alas for you, dear reader, this has gone into a collection already - such is the speed of Curious Banknotes customers.
However, it did remind us of a pressing need in our main collection for a 1974 Cornish Stannary £5 note (see pictures below). Should anyone come across one, then a good price will be paid for it. The previous owner of this bond had one, but alas sold it a few years ago. He said it fetched around £100 as far as he remembered. But our offer to you would be more than this. If you have one for sale, or ever see one, then please contact us. Click here
Notes:
In 1974, Cornish currency was issued by the Cornish Stannary Parliament under the name of the 'Cornish National Fund'. The Cornish language text on the front of the five-shilling, ten-shilling and one-pound notes can be translated as: 'The National Fund of Cornwall promises to pay the bearer one day after sight the amount of five shillings (etc.)', whereas the five-pound note is payable 'on demand'. The use of the 'sight' clause circumvents a legal restriction for issuers of banknotes in England and Wales. Under the Bank Notes Act of 1826, it is illegal to issue a 'demand' note for an amount less than five pounds. The reverses show Restormel Castle in the stannary town of Lostwithiel. The initials are 'AKK' for 'Arghow Kenethlek Kernow', which translates as 'Cornish National Fund'. The initials of the English name, 'CNF', also appear.