One-guinea Note (bogus) (Company of Bank of Aberdeen)
Date03-Jan-1799
Object NameBanknote
Mediumpaper
ClassificationsBanknotes
Dimensions150 x 108mm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1986 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS013400
About MeNotwithstanding its dubious provenance the style of this note is quite convincing. Printed details such as name and value are present as are the handwritten serial number, date and signatures characteristic of genuine notes of the time.Although many counterfeit copies of early banknotes were made, the same cannot be said of notes for which no prototype exists at all. No bank with the title "Company of the Bank of Aberdeen" ever existed and so this note is completely fictitious.
The low level of literacy in the late 18th century undoubtedly helped notes such as this to circulate. Several examples of "Company of the Bank of Aberdeen" guinea notes have survived.
Clydesdale and North of Scotland Bank
02-May-1951
