1 dollar 1966

Common. Despite the exceptional PMG 67 grade of this specific specimen, the 1966 Ethiopian 1 Dollar note (Pick 25a) is a common issue. The eBay price history provided demonstrates consistent market activity across all grades, with most examples selling in the $3-$20 range regardless of condition. Even PMG-graded examples regularly appear on the market—two PMG 67s sold for $60 (2024) and $42 (2020), while a PMG 68 realized $110.49 and PMG 66s sold for $36-$83.89. The presence of numerous sales records spanning multiple years indicates adequate supply in the market. The historical catalog values (VF: $7.50, UNC: $20) and the frequency of sales confirm this is a readily available note, with collector interest primarily driven by condition grade rather than rarity of the issue itself.

Issued in 1966 during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I, this banknote reflects Ethiopia's national pride through its prominent display of the Emperor in formal military regalia and the sacred Lion of Judah symbol. The Port of Massawa depicted on the obverse was historically significant as one of Ethiopia's principal maritime gateways on the Red Sea. The design elements and Amharic inscriptions underscore Ethiopia's sovereignty and the National Bank of Ethiopia's authority as the nation's central banking institution during this period of the imperial monarchy.

The obverse features a formal portrait of Emperor Haile Selassie I rendered in three-quarter profile facing left, dressed in full military regalia with decorative collar, medals, and insignia befitting his imperial status. Behind the portrait is a scenic representation of the Port of Massawa with its waterfront buildings and cityscape visible, emphasizing Ethiopia's maritime importance. The reverse displays the Lion of Judah—the crowned, maned lion symbol central to Ethiopian heraldry and national identity—positioned prominently in the center with ornate geometric borders and decorative frame elements surrounding it. The note employs a pale green/cream background with dark green and gray-green intaglio printing throughout, creating a distinguished and formal appearance. Amharic and English text are distributed around both sides, with the printer's credit given to Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited of London.

{"front":{"english":["ONE ETHIOPIAN DOLLAR","PAYABLE TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND","NATIONAL BANK OF ETHIOPIA","GOVERNOR"],"amharic":["ፈቃደ (Fekade) - signature/title inscription"],"serialNumber":"AL399914"},"back":{"english":["THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED (printer credit)"],"amharic":["Various ornamental Amharic text inscriptions surrounding the Lion of Judah"],"numerals":"1"}}

This banknote was produced using intaglio engraving, the premium security printing method standard for currency production. The fine line work, geometric patterns, geometric border designs, and ornamental detailing visible throughout both sides are characteristic of intaglio engraving. Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited of London—one of the world's premier security printers of the 20th century—executed the printing, employing their signature quality standards in the complex multicolor intaglio process. The precision of the portrait rendering and the intricate pattern work throughout demonstrate the high technical capability of this printing method.

This specimen carries the serial number AL399914, indicating the AL prefix common to this 1966 issue. The signature appears to be 'Fekade' (ፈቃደ) as shown in the Amharic inscription. No overprints or special markings are evident. The Pick catalog designation P-25a represents the standard variety of this denomination and year issued by the National Bank of Ethiopia. Signature varieties exist for this issue, with different governors' signatures appearing on notes from this production period. The AL serial number prefix is consistent with standard notes from this issue; no special variety designations (such as overprints or replacement notes) are observed on this example.