A group of seven extremely rare Central Bank of Ireland banknote die proof engraver's test strike portrait vignettes of Grace O'Malley, for use on Series B one hundred pounds notes, circa late 1970s/1980s, colour trials, comprising five in red, two with printer's comment 'Full Strength' in ink to lower quarter, and two in dark brown/black, each test strike generally showing four margins (all extremely fine). Note: the Series B one hundred pounds note was never put into circulation, owing to a number of disagreements about design and to concerns that it would facilitate the illegal movement of cash. Provenance: from the personal archive of the late Alan Dow, master banknote engraver to Bradbury Wilkinson & Co and the Bank of England.