1 dalasi 1978
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This is a commemorative 1 Dalasi note from the Central Bank of The Gambia issued on February 18, 1978, celebrating the opening of the Central Bank itself. The note features a striking portrait of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the First President of The Gambia, alongside a traditional sailing vessel, with the Central Bank building depicted on the reverse. In VF condition, this note displays sharp printing, excellent color definition in its purple and cream palette, and shows minimal wear—a desirable example of this commemorative issue.
Common. The eBay market data shows VF examples selling for $17.13 (2021) and as low as $1.38 (2016), with catalog valuations of $30 VF and $175 UNC, consistent with typical circulation-era commemorative notes. While commemorative in nature, the 1978 Central Bank opening note was issued in sufficient quantities to be readily available in the collector market. There is no evidence of restricted print runs, early withdrawal, or collector scarcity for this Pick number in VF condition.
This note commemorates a pivotal moment in The Gambia's institutional development: the formal opening of its Central Bank on February 18, 1978, just three years after the nation became a republic. The design celebrates both the nation's leadership under President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara (who appears prominently on the obverse) and the modernization of the country's financial infrastructure, symbolized by the contemporary institutional architecture depicted on the reverse. The inclusion of Arabic alongside English reflects The Gambia's cultural and religious heritage within West Africa.
The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the First President of The Republic of The Gambia, wearing eyeglasses and a distinctive knit cap, positioned on the right side of the note. To the left is rendered a traditional sailing vessel (a dhow or similar craft typical of West African maritime heritage) with palm trees in the background, representing the nation's cultural identity and connection to the Atlantic. The note is framed by ornamental geometric borders with circular medallions in the corners containing intricate decorative patterns. A central oval cartouche houses the denomination. The reverse depicts the Central Bank building in Banjul—a modern multi-story institutional structure rendered in tan and brown tones with regular window patterns—reflecting the contemporary architecture of 1978. Heraldic emblems with crown and supporters appear on the left side, and a commemorative legend beneath the building records the official opening date. The overall color scheme combines purple/violet with cream backgrounds, accented by blue, orange, and green elements.
FRONT SIDE: 'CENTRAL BANK OF THE GAMBIA' (English: Central Bank of The Gambia); 'PROMISE TO PAY ON DEMAND THE SUM OF' (English: Promise to pay on demand the sum of); 'ONE DALASI' (English: One Dalasi); 'دالس واحد' (Arabic: One Dalasi); 'SIR DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA' (English: Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara); 'FIRST PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA' (English: First President of Republic of The Gambia); 'GENERAL MANAGER' and 'GOVERNOR' (English: signature designation lines); Serial number: J5841184. REVERSE SIDE: 'Central Bank of The Gambia' (English: Central Bank of The Gambia); 'OFFICIAL OPENING 18TH FEBRUARY 1978' (English: Official opening 18th February 1978); 'ONE DALASI' (English: One Dalasi).
Intaglio (engraved) printing, executed with fine-line engraving technique characteristic of high-security banknote production. The intricate geometric borders, detailed architectural rendering of the Central Bank building, and the fine portrait work are hallmarks of traditional engraved currency production. The multi-layer color separation visible in the visual analysis indicates the use of multiple printing plates typical of late-1970s currency production standards. This note was likely produced by one of the major international security printers contracted by the Central Bank of The Gambia; Harrison and Sons or De La Rue were common contractors for African central banks during this period, though specific printer attribution for this Pick number would require archival confirmation.
This note is cataloged as P-8 in the Pick Standard (distinguished from variant P-8s). The specimen examined shows serial number J5841184. The visual analysis reveals this is the standard commemorative issue marking the Central Bank's official opening on 18 February 1978. No overprints, signature variations, or other distinguishing varieties are apparent from the images provided. Signature blocks are present for Governor and General Manager positions but are not legible enough in the provided images to identify the specific individuals or determine if signature variants exist for this issue.
