25 dalasi 1991 specimen

Common. Specimen notes from the 1991 series of the Central Bank of The Gambia were produced in standard quantities for distribution to banks and collectors. The catalog value of $225 for UNC condition and eBay transaction prices in the $30-225 range indicate healthy collector demand but consistent supply. The note is not from a short-lived issuing period (this series circulated 1991-1995) and specimen overprints were routinely produced. No evidence of rarity factors such as small print runs, recalls, or scarcity in the market.

This 25 Dalasis note was issued in 1991 during Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara's presidency, commemorating the First President of the Republic of The Gambia and his role in the nation's independence and early development. The inclusion of Government House on the reverse reflects the institutional authority of the Central Bank and the colonial architectural heritage of Banjul, the capital city. The Carmine Bee Eater, featured prominently in the center of the obverse, represents Gambia's rich natural biodiversity and connects the currency to the nation's environmental identity.

The obverse features a three-quarter portrait of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the First President of The Gambia, positioned at the right side wearing glasses and formal attire. The central design showcases a Carmine Bee Eater (kingfisher-type bird) in naturalistic rendering, symbolizing Gambia's avifauna. Decorative foliage and plant motifs form the background, while ornate geometric border patterns in blue and green frame the design. The reverse depicts Government House in Banjul, a two-story colonial-style institutional building with white walls, multiple windows, and a pitched roof, surrounded by palm trees and tropical vegetation characteristic of West African architecture. Both sides employ multicolored underprinting with dominant blues, greens, and whites, creating visual depth and security features.

Front side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF THE GAMBIA' (header), '25' and 'TWENTY-FIVE DALASIS' (denomination), 'SIR DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA' (portrait identification), 'FIRST PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA' (title), 'PROMISE TO PAY ON DEMAND THE SUM OF' (standard legal tender phrase), 'GOVERNOR' and 'GENERAL MANAGER' (signature lines), 'SPECIMEN' (specimen overprint), Serial number 'A0000000', and Arabic text 'دالاسي الجمبيا' (Dalasi of Gambia). Back side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF THE GAMBIA' (header), '25' and 'TWENTY FIVE DALASIS' (denomination), 'SPECIMEN' (specimen overprint).

Intaglio printing (offset and letterpress combination typical of 1991-era Central Bank of The Gambia issues). The multicolored security features, fine-line geometric patterns in borders, and microprinting of bank name visible above and below titles indicate advanced security printing techniques consistent with De La Rue or similar international security printer standards of the period.

This is the P-14s variety, identified as a specimen note (indicated by the red 'SPECIMEN' overprint across both obverse and reverse). The Pick catalog distinguishes between P-14a (standard issue) and P-14s (specimen). The serial number shown as A0000000 is typical for specimen notes. No variations in signature combinations, dates, or other distinguishing characteristics are evident from the visual analysis that would further subdivide this variety.