5 shillings 1964
Market Prices
20 salesAbout This Note
This is an exceptional example of Fiji's 1964 Government of Fiji 5 Shillings banknote (Pick-51d), graded UNC and displaying pristine, uncirculated condition with sharp engraving details throughout. The note features Queen Elizabeth II in profile within a circular medallion on the right side of the obverse, surrounded by intricate ornamental borders and geometric patterns in blue-green and grey tones. As a high-grade specimen from the early post-independence currency era, this note represents an important piece of Fiji's monetary history during its transition to self-governance.
Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales across multiple grades from 2010-2025, with VF grades typically realizing $20-52 USD and UNC catalogue value at $300 (2019). The regular circulation of examples in various conditions and the numerous documented sales transactions indicate this was a substantial print run with no known production limitations or recalls. While UNC examples command higher prices reflecting their superior condition, the note itself is not scarce or rare.
Issued on 1st September 1964 by the Government of Fiji's Commissioners of Currency, this banknote commemorates a pivotal moment in Fiji's history as the nation moved toward independence from British colonial rule. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, still featured on the obverse, reflects Fiji's continued constitutional ties to the Commonwealth during this transitional period. The formal, dignified design with elaborate security printing by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co demonstrates the craftsmanship and international standards applied to Fiji's emerging national currency.
The obverse features a formal, classical banknote design centered on a portrait medallion of Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the right side, depicted in profile facing left wearing a tiara, enclosed within an ornate circular frame. The background comprises elaborate symmetrical ornamental borders with intricate scrollwork, geometric patterns, and fine-line engraving throughout. The denomination '5/' appears prominently in the corners. The reverse maintains the same sophisticated design aesthetic with matching decorative corner medallions and ornamental borders, emphasizing symmetry and elegant typography. The color scheme of blue-green and grey tones on a lighter underprint creates a distinctive visual appearance characteristic of this series.
OBVERSE: 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (issuing authority); 'FIVE SHILLINGS' (denomination in words); '5/' (denomination in numerals, appearing in corners); 'THESE NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'for the GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (issuer attribution); '1ST SEPTEMBER, 1964' (issue date); 'C 233310' (serial number); 'COMMISSIONERS OF CURRENCY' (authorizing body); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD ENGLAND' (printer identification). REVERSE: '5/-' (denomination, appearing multiple times); 'GOVERNMENT OF FIJI' (issuer); 'FIVE SHILLINGS' (denomination in words).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), produced by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, England, one of the world's premier security printers. The fine-line security printing and intricate engraved patterns throughout the note are characteristic of intaglio production, which creates the raised tactile quality and precise detail visible in the ornamental borders, geometric patterns, and portrait work. The elaborate decorative elements serve both aesthetic and security purposes.
This note is catalogued as Pick-51d, one of five documented varieties (P-51a through P-51e) within this base Pick number for the 1964 Fiji 5 Shillings issue, all produced by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co. Varieties likely differ in signature combinations, serial number prefixes, or minor design elements. The serial number visible on this example is C 233310, which may help distinguish this specific variety within the P-51d classification.
