1 shilling 1942
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3 salesAbout This Note
This is a 1942 Government of Fiji one shilling note (Pick P-48a), printed in black on cream laid paper by the Commonwealth Printer of Australia. The uniface design features the Fiji coat of arms flanked by two classical robed figures, with denomination markings in all four corners. The note displays heavy age-related wear consistent with its Fair condition grade, including creasing, foxing, discoloration, and browning typical of an 80+ year old circulated note.
Common. eBay transaction data shows consistent sales in the F condition grade ranging from $3.01 to $5.95 (2021–2023), indicating modest but steady market availability and demand. The 2016 catalogue value of $2 for VG condition and the regular issue status (P-48a, not a remainder or special variant) confirm this as a standard circulation issue with no print run restrictions. These notes were issued during wartime on a significant scale and remain readily available to collectors.
Issued on 1 January 1942 during World War II, this note represents Fiji's currency under the Government of Fiji's authority. The heraldic coat of arms featuring a quartered shield and sailing vessel reflects Fiji's colonial status and maritime heritage during the British Commonwealth period. The classical figures flanking the arms symbolize colonial authority and tradition, while the legal tender limit of forty shillings indicates this was part of a denominated series issued during wartime currency standardization.
The obverse is dominated by the Fiji coat of arms positioned at center top, featuring a shield with quartered heraldic sections surmounted by a sailing vessel, symbolizing the nation's maritime identity. Two classical male figures in formal robes flank the arms on either side, representing colonial administrative authority and classical tradition. The note employs a decorative geometric border frame with ornamental corner devices. Denomination markers '1s.' appear in all four corners in an ornamental style. The reverse side is blank/plain, typical of uniface emergency wartime currency issues. The paper is cream-colored laid stock, now heavily aged with patina.
FRONT: 'Government of Fiji' (issuing authority); 'One Shilling' / '1s.' (denomination, appears in four corners); 'N° 26730' (serial number, appears twice); 'These Notes are Legal Tender for payment of an amount not exceeding Forty Shillings.' (legal tender declaration); 'For the Government of Fiji:' (authorization statement); '1st January, 1942.' (issue date); 'Commissioners of Currency' (authorizing officials). BACK: Blank or no visible inscriptions.
Letterpress/relief printing in black ink, executed by Commonwealth Printer, Australia. The sharp lines of the heraldic design, geometric borders, and corner ornaments are characteristic of letterpress technology. The laid paper stock and single-color printing without security features reflect wartime expedient production methods.
This note is catalogued as Pick P-48a (regular issue, 1942). The PMG population report identifies three variants: P-48a (standard), P-48r1 (remainder), and P-48r2 (sheet of 6). The observed note appears to be the standard P-48a variety based on its complete, circulated state with full inscriptions and no remainder markings. The serial number 'N° 26730' is unique to this individual note impression.
