1934-1940 New Zealand Five Pound Note, Lefeaux

• Lefeaux signature
• Grade good fine - almost very fine

Tidy and attractive note with no tears or major creases. 

Lefeaux was the very first Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, serving from its establishment in 1934 until 1940. His signature therefore graces the inaugural series of Reserve Bank of New Zealand banknotes, including the one-pound note.

These early notes were distinct, featuring a portrait of King Tāwhiao, the second Māori King, alongside a kiwi and the New Zealand Coat of Arms on the obverse, with a vignette of Mitre Peak in Milford Sound on the reverse.

The Lefeaux one-pound note holds significant historical importance as it represents the very beginning of a centrally issued currency in New Zealand, marking a major shift from the previous system where various trading banks issued their own notes.