5 shillings 1961
Market Prices
7 salesAbout This Note
An exceptional example of the 1961 East African Currency Board 5 Shillings note (Pick P-41a) in uncirculated condition, featuring a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in an ornate circular frame on the obverse. The note displays the characteristic brown and tan color scheme with fine engraving throughout, sharp printing, and no signs of circulation wear. This is a historically significant note from the early years of East African currency independence, issued during the region's transition to self-governance.
Common. Despite being from 1961, this denomination and series appears frequently in the numismatic market, with eBay transaction data showing regular sales across multiple condition grades from 2010 onwards. Catalog values of $250 UNC indicate moderate collector demand rather than scarcity premium. The robust print run by Thomas de la Rue and the stability of East African currencies during this period suggest high original mintage figures. Notes of this type are readily available to collectors.
Issued in 1961 by the African Currency Board (later renamed East African Currency Board), this note represents the currency used during a pivotal period in East African history when Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika were establishing monetary independence from British colonial rule. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II reflects the Commonwealth connection during this transitional era, while the inclusion of Arabic script on the obverse acknowledges the multicultural and multilingual nature of East African territories.
The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned within an ornate circular frame in the upper left quadrant, rendered in detailed engraving. The note employs a symmetrical layout with decorative denomination numerals '5' in ornamental boxes positioned in the upper right and lower left corners. The design incorporates extensive guilloche patterns and scrollwork flourishes throughout, typical of security currency printing of the period. The reverse displays a purely decorative composition with symmetrically arranged botanical and floral motifs in the center field, with denomination numerals in all four corners. The color scheme of brown on a light red/pink underprint creates a warm, classical appearance consistent with 1960s currency design standards. Three signatures appear on the left side and four on the right, identifying this as the P-41a variety.
Front side: 'EAST AFRICAN CURRENCY BOARD' (issuing authority), 'FIVE SHILLINGS' (denomination in English), 'خمسة شيلنج' (denomination in Arabic - Five Shillings), 'LEGAL TENDER FOR FIVE SHILLINGS' (legal status), 'MEMBERS OF EAST AFRICAN CURRENCY BOARD' (issuer designation), Serial number 'B17 978641', and official signatures including 'David Jemutai Arap', 'K.B. Donald W.B. Wale', and 'J.B. Haynes'. Back side: 'FIVE SHILLINGS' (denomination designation).
Intaglio/engraving process executed by Thomas de la Rue, London, the world's leading security printer. The note exhibits fine line engraving with intricate guilloche patterns, detailed portrait work, and multiple overlapping decorative elements characteristic of high-security currency production. The sharp impression, fine linework detail, and complex background patterns visible throughout both sides demonstrate the advanced anti-counterfeiting measures employed by this prestigious printer.
This is identified as P-41a (Nairobi issue) based on the signature configuration of three signatures at left and four signatures at right. Pick catalog distinguishes P-41a from P-41b variant. The specific signatures visible on this example include David Jemutai Arap, K.B. Donald, W.B. Wale, and J.B. Haynes, with E.B. David identified as the top left signature according to market references. Serial number B17 978641 indicates this note is from the B series, suggesting it was among later printings of this issue.
