1 pound 1961

Common. The 1961-1965 Reserve Bank of Australia One Pound note (P-34) was issued in substantial quantities as regular currency. Secondary market data shows consistent availability across all condition grades, with UNC examples selling in the $50-$300 range depending on specific grading. The eBay transaction history demonstrates regular trading activity with multiple examples changing hands annually across a wide price range, indicating good supply in the collector market. This is a readily obtainable note for collectors of Australian currency.

Issued during the early years of the Reserve Bank of Australia's banknote production (1961-1965), this note represents the transition from Commonwealth Bank currency to Reserve Bank control. The reverse features medals commemorating Charles Sturt and Hamilton Hume, explorers central to Australian inland exploration in the 19th century, reflecting the nation's pride in its colonial exploratory heritage. Queen Elizabeth II's portrait on the obverse underscores Australia's continued Commonwealth ties during this period.

The obverse features the Commonwealth coat of arms at top center with an elegant profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the right. The denomination 'ONE POUND' is prominently displayed in the center with ornate decorative borders incorporating floral and scrollwork patterns throughout. Serial numbers appear in green on both sides (HK 30 143960 visible on this note). The reverse displays two circular medallion portraits in ornate frames—Charles Sturt on the left and Hamilton Hume on the right—both shown in profile within elaborate heraldic and floral surrounds, with the word 'ENDEAVOURS' emphasizing their exploration legacy. The £1 symbol appears decoratively in all four corners of both sides. The color scheme of green, black, and cream creates the characteristic appearance of this transitional Reserve Bank note series.

FRONT: 'AUSTRALIAN NOTE' - identifying the currency; 'ONE POUND' - denomination; 'LEGAL TENDER IN THE COMMONWEALTH AND IN ALL TERRITORIES UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE COMMONWEALTH' - legal tender declaration; 'GOVERNOR, RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA' - issuing authority with signature of M. Barns; 'SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY' - co-signatory authority with signature of Roland Wilson; 'COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA' - national designation. BACK: 'ONE POUND' - denomination in corners; 'COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA' - national designation; 'ENDEAVOURS' - thematic descriptor relating to the explorer medals depicted.

Intaglio (engraved) printing on watermarked paper. The fine line work, intricate border patterns, portrait detail, and security features visible in the sharp, crisp impressions are consistent with traditional engraving methodology employed by the Reserve Bank of Australia's security printers for this era. The watermark of Captain James Cook is visible as a light area in the paper structure, indicating use of specialized banknote stock.

This note represents Pick 34a (Wmk: Cook), the primary variant for the 1961-1965 series as catalogued by PMG. The serial number prefix 'HK' and signatures of M. Barns (Governor) and Roland Wilson (Secretary to the Treasury) are consistent with notes from this series. No significant printing varieties or overprints are apparent on this example.