REVIEW: COINS AND BANKNOTES OF THE SOUTHERN INDIAN OCEAN: 27 MAY

The outstanding collection of the late Jörg Hauchler (1956-2022) proved its worth as the leading highlight left its estimate £4,000-5,000 far behind to sell for £20,000. That was the Rescue of the Strathmore gold medal previewed in detail in the last newsletter.

It was not the only stand-out lot, with several Mauritian pieces doing exceptionally well too.

The first of these was a Mauritius Royal Society of Arts and Sciences gold medal dating to 1846 and presented to Henry Barlow & Co., Phoenix as first prize for their Vacuum sugar. Estimated at £4,000-5,000, the hammer fell at £8,000.

Elizabeth II was the Constitutional Monarch of Mauritius when a Piedfort Proof 1000 Rupees was struck for 1982, International Year of Disabled Persons (KM. 50). As struck and very rare it carried the legend Full Participation and Equality to the reverse. The guide was £1,800-2,000, and it went for £4,800.

A 1978 Franklin Mint specimen set of notes for the Bank of Mauritius comprising 5, 10, 25 and 50 Rupees, with serial number 000001, all with Maltese cross prefix and red SPECIMEN overprint, were uncirculated and sold with the presentation envelope and certificate. A superb number one set, with hopes of £200-300, it sold for £4,800.

A George V British Indian Half-Rupee, dating to 1911 also went well above its estimate of £200-260, selling at £4,400.