2 shillings 1942

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales activity across multiple condition grades spanning from 2014 to 2025, with VF examples averaging $22-32 USD. The 2016 catalog value for VF ($35) aligns with observed market prices, and the multiple sales records indicate adequate collector availability. No evidence of restricted print runs, recalls, or scarcity factors specific to Pick P-50 exists. This note was part of a standard government currency issue for a major colonial territory with no known emergency or limited production circumstances.

Issued on 1st January 1942 during World War II, this banknote represents Fiji's colonial-era currency under British administration. The coat of arms depicted on the obverse, flanked by two figures in classical dress representing colonial authority and indigenous representation, reflects the Government of Fiji's position within the British Commonwealth. The note's legal tender declaration (limited to forty shillings maximum) indicates the temporary nature of this currency issue, typical of wartime monetary policy in colonial territories.

The obverse features a formal heraldic composition centered on the coat of arms of the Colony of Fiji, which displays a quartered shield with heraldic elements beneath a banner inscribed with the Fiji motto. The arms are flanked by two figures in classical Roman or warrior style dress, likely representing both colonial authority and indigenous Fijian sovereignty. A decorative border frames the entire composition with ornamental corner designs at each angle marked with the '2s.' denomination. The reverse is austere, consisting entirely of a repeating security text pattern reading 'COLONY OF FIJI' in rust-colored ink on cream paper. The note number 97919 is prominently displayed, with signature lines for Commissioners of Currency authorizing the issue.

FRONT: 'Government of Fiji' (header), '2s.' (denomination markers at four corners), 'TWO SHILLINGS' (spelled denomination), 'NO 97919' (serial number), 'These Notes are Legal Tender for payment of an amount not exceeding Forty Shillings' (legal tender clause), 'For the Government of Fiji' (issuing authority), '1st January, 1942' (issue date), 'Commissioners of Currency' (signature authority line), 'COLONY OF FIJI' (repeating background security pattern). BACK: 'COLONY OF FIJI' (repeating pattern covering entire reverse surface).

The note was produced using letterpress printing by the Government Printer, Fiji, as documented in period records. The black ink design elements (coat of arms, borders, and denomination text) were applied as the primary impression, with the red/rust colored overprint security pattern (repeating 'COLONY OF FIJI' text) applied in a secondary pass. The combination of fine line work in the heraldic design with the repeating background text pattern is consistent with security printing practices of the 1940s era.

The examined note corresponds to Pick P-50a (2 Shillings regular issue). PMG records indicate a variant P-50r2 exists as sheet format (uncut sheet of 6). The observed serial number 97919 with the standard signature block and 1st January 1942 date is consistent with the regular circulation issue. No overprint varieties, color variations, or signature varieties are evident from the visual analysis of this particular specimen.