5 pula 1976 specimen

Common. While this is a specimen note (indicated by the overprint and serial number format), specimen notes from major currency printers like De La Rue were produced in quantities sufficient for distribution to banks, collectors, and government agencies. eBay market data for this Pick number shows specimen examples trading in the $13.50–$325.00 USD range, with most UNC examples clustered at $19.99–$120.00, indicating healthy supply and regular availability. The 2019 catalog value of $90 for UNC specimens further confirms this is a commonly encountered variant rather than a scarce issue.

This 5 Pula note was issued in 1976, just a decade after Botswana's independence in 1966, marking the establishment of the Bank of Botswana and the nation's first national currency. The portrait of President Sir Seretse Khama honors the country's founding leader and first president, while the wildlife imagery—featuring the gemsbok antelope and indigenous flora like the baobab tree—reflects Botswana's natural heritage and the wildlife-based economy of southern Africa. The bilingual design (English and Setswana) represents the linguistic identity of the newly sovereign nation.

The obverse features a formal portrait of President Sir Seretse Khama positioned on the left side, depicted as a middle-aged man in suit and tie facing forward, symbolizing national leadership and sovereignty. The center displays 'Bank of Botswana' text with the denomination prominently featured. The right side showcases the national coat of arms with a plumed crest and geometric shield patterns, representing Botswana's national identity. The reverse depicts a gemsbok (oryx) antelope—an iconic African ungulate native to the Kalahari region—positioned centrally with a baobab tree visible in the background, emphasizing the nation's natural and economic heritage. Both sides employ ornamental floral designs in the corners and feature large numeral 5 denominations. The entire design maintains a coordinated pink/mauve and brown color palette executed in high-quality intaglio printing.

Front side: 'Bank of BOTSWANA' (English); 'MINISTER OF FINANCE AND GOVERNOR' (English); 'This note is legal tender for Five Pula' (English); 'SPECIMEN' (English overprint); 'C 000000' (specimen serial number). Back side: 'BANKA YA BOTSWANA' (Setswana, meaning 'Bank of Botswana'); 'Pula tse Thano' (Setswana, meaning 'Five Pula'); 'SPECIMEN' (English overprint); 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (English, printer attribution); Serial number indicator fields marked as '0000' per specimen protocol.

The note was printed using intaglio (also known as gravure or copperplate) printing, as evidenced by the fine line work, crisp detail in the portrait and wildlife illustration, and the characteristic depth and texture visible in the security features and ornamental designs. Thomas De La Rue & Company Limited (TDLR), London, the renowned British currency printer, produced this note. The watermark area features a rearing zebra design, consistent with De La Rue's security protocols for Botswana's inaugural currency series.

This is specifically identified as Pick P-3s, the specimen variety of the 1976 5 Pula first series (base type P-3a). The 's' suffix denotes its status as a specimen note, confirmed by the red diagonal 'SPECIMEN' overprint and the 'C/1' serial number prefix characteristic of specimen issues. This contrasts with the regular circulation variety P-3a. The note bears the Thomas De La Rue printer attribution (TDLR), which is the documented printer for this Pick number. No additional sub-varieties (such as signature changes or date variants) are noted in the PMG population reports or catalog references for this denomination in the 1976 series.