5 shillings 1938

Common. Market data from realbanknotes.com shows Fair condition examples consistently selling in the $14.50–$49 range across multiple sales (2012–2020), with an average around $25. The 2016 catalog value for VG grade is listed at $20, with Fair falling below that threshold. The note has a documented print run spanning 1937–1951 and represents a standard issue of the colonial period. No evidence of a short print run, recall, or scarcity factors for Pick-37b.

This note was issued on 1st March 1938, during the reign of King George VI and the period of British colonial administration in Fiji. The coat of arms and heraldic supporters depicted on the obverse reflect Fiji's status as a British colony, while the denomination in shillings represents the pre-decimal currency system used throughout the British Commonwealth during this era. The prominent display of 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' and the official seals underscore the colonial governance structure of the period.

The obverse features a three-quarter left-facing portrait of King George VI positioned at right, wearing formal attire with military-style ceremonial neckwear. The central heraldic element is the Coat of Arms of Fiji, prominently displayed at top center with quartered shield design and heraldic supporters (likely lions or similar supporters typical of British colonial heraldry) flanking the shield. The left side contains a large circular watermark area, unfilled in the printing. The reverse presents a symmetrical design dominated by two large blank circular areas (watermark spaces) flanking a central cartouche containing issuing authority text, all within an elaborate decorative border of scrollwork, leaf patterns, and lattice work in orange, gold, and brown tones. The fine line engraving technique creates intricate ornamental flourishes throughout.

FRONT: 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' - identifying the issuing authority; 'FIVE SHILLINGS' - denomination; 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' - legal tender declaration; '1ST MARCH, 1938' - issue date; 'For the GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' - authorization phrase; 'COMMISSIONERS' and 'SURVEYOR' - official titles; 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD ENGLAND' - printer identification; Serial number 'B163772'. BACK: 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' - issuing authority identifier repeated on reverse.

Intaglio (engraved) printing by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, England, one of the premier security printers of the period. The fine line engraving visible throughout—particularly in the portrait rendering, decorative scrollwork, and border patterns—is characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson's high-security banknote production. The complexity of the ornamental patterns and the precision of the line work served as anti-counterfeiting measures.

This note is identified as Pick-37b based on the printer mark 'Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd' visible on the obverse. The PMG population report documents six variants of the base Pick-37 number (37b, 37c, 37d, 37h, 37i, 37k), indicating different signature combinations, date variations, or other distinguishing features among the 1938 issue. The serial number B163772 and the specific signature block would confirm the exact variety, though the visual analysis does not provide sufficient detail to definitively identify the signature lines. Further examination of signature positions and initials would be required to confirm whether this is the standard 37b variety or a related variant.