5 pounds 1960
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a well-preserved 1960 Government of Fiji £5 note (Pick P-54c) printed by Bradbury Wilkinson, featuring a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the Fijian coat of arms. The note displays the characteristic purple and cream coloring typical of this series, with intricate engraving work and ornate decorative patterns throughout. In Fine condition, this note represents an attractive example of early post-war Fiji currency with strong eye appeal and minimal wear.
Common. While this is a legitimate collectible from Fiji's early post-independence period, the eBay market data shows consistent availability with Fine-condition examples trading at approximately $80 USD, well within the range of commonly available mid-grade notes. The print run for this series was substantial, and survival rates are good. The 1954-1967 issue period was relatively long, and no evidence of rarity is present in this Pick number variant.
Issued on 1st October 1960, this banknote was part of the Government of Fiji's regular currency issue during the period spanning 1954-1967, a time when Fiji remained under British colonial administration. The prominent portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the official Fijian coat of arms at the top center reflect the political status of Fiji as a Commonwealth territory, while the denomination in pounds sterling connects to the colonial monetary system in use before decimalization.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned at the right side of the note, rendered in three-quarter profile view consistent with Commonwealth currency conventions of the period. The Fijian coat of arms dominates the upper center, displaying two figures flanking a shield with heraldic divisions representing Fiji's sovereignty within the Commonwealth framework. Both sides incorporate elaborate decorative elements including ornamental circular medallions (watermark impression areas), scrollwork, and fine-line guilloche patterns throughout the border. The denomination appears in multiple locations, including corner numerals marked '25' (representing 5 pounds in shillings, a common notation in pre-decimal currency). The color scheme of purple/mauve on cream background provides strong contrast and visual distinction characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson's premium security printing.
Front Side: 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (header); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'FIVE POUNDS' (denomination); 'for the GOVERNMENT of FIJI' (issuer authority); '1st OCTOBER, 1960' (issue date); 'COMMISSIONER OF CURRENCY' (authorized official title); 'C133894' (serial number); 'BRADBURY WILKINSON & CO LTD ENGLAND' (printer identification). Back Side: 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (header); 'FIVE POUNDS' (denomination in central cartouche).
This note was produced using traditional intaglio engraving and letterpress printing methods by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, England, one of the world's premier security printers. The extensive fine-line work, detailed portrait engraving, and intricate guilloche patterns visible throughout the design are characteristic of high-security banknote production of the era. The note incorporates a watermark featuring a Fijian youth's bust, integrated during the papermaking process by the security printer.
This note is identified as Pick P-54c, characterized by Bradbury Wilkinson printing (BWC) and a Fijian Head watermark. The PMG population report indicates four documented variants for the base Pick-54 number: P-54c (observed here), P-54cts, P-54e, and P-54s. The 'c' designation distinguishes this from other variants in the series. The serial number C133894 and the specific date of 1st October 1960 confirm this as a standard issue note from the early period of this series, with no special overprints or commemorative features observed.
