1 penny 1942
Market Prices
33 salesAbout This Note
This is a Fiji 1 Penny banknote from July 1942, issued by the Government of Fiji during World War II. The note displays the characteristic green and black color scheme with intricate cross-hatching security patterns and decorative scalloped borders on both sides. In UNC condition as graded, this historical wartime currency specimen shows minimal wear despite its age, with clear impressions of the circular seal designs and handwritten signatures visible on the front.
Common. Secondary market eBay data shows consistent sales ranging from $2-$28 for UNC examples over a 15-year period, with multiple UNC specimens selling in the $20-$30 range. The note was issued in substantial quantities by the colonial government and remains readily available to collectors. The catalog value of $8.50 for UNC condition (as of 2016) further confirms this is a widely-held common issue with no supply scarcity.
This banknote was issued in July 1942, during the height of World War II when Fiji was under British colonial administration. The 'Government of Fiji' and 'Commissioners of Currency' inscriptions reflect the formal colonial monetary authority structure of the period. The reference to 'Emperor George' on the circular seal denotes allegiance to the British Crown during the reign of King George VI, underscoring Fiji's status as a British possession during this critical wartime period.
The obverse features a rectangular text block positioned on the left containing denomination and issuing information against a green background, with a circular seal design on the right containing radial elements and text arrangement around the perimeter referencing the British Crown authority. The reverse displays a complementary circular design on the left with radial line patterns and date markers, with governmental text block on the right. Both sides are framed by an ornate scalloped border with intricate cross-hatching patterns throughout, serving as both decorative and security elements. The design employs cloud-like or shell-like ornamental elements at the top. The color scheme of green, black, and cream/beige creates clear visual hierarchy and legibility.
Front side: 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (issuing authority); 'ONE PENNY' (denomination); 'JULY 1942' (issue date); 'FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (authorization); 'COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY' (authorizing body); Serial number 'P 516079'; References to 'EMPEROR GEORGE' visible on the circular seal. Back side: 'FIJI' (country); 'PENNY' (denomination); '1942' (year); 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (issuing authority). All inscriptions are in English, reflecting the colonial administrative language.
Letterpress/relief printing with multi-color registration, printed by Commonwealth Printer, Australia, as is standard for Fiji currency of this period. The intricate cross-hatching and line patterns visible throughout both sides were created through finely-detailed engraved plates. The crisp impressions and consistent ink application throughout the note indicate professional currency production standards. Some notes exhibit partial watermarks, though not clearly visible in these specimens.
This specimen is identified as Pick P-47 with the visual characteristics consistent with the P-47a variant. The serial number prefix 'P' and the specific serial number 'P 516079' observed on this note are consistent with documented production runs. The July 1942 issue date is confirmed by the inscription 'JULY 1942' visible on the obverse. Handwritten signatures are visible on the front, which is typical for this issue type where currency commissioners authorized individual notes or batches.
