5 dalasi 1991 specimen

Common. While specimen notes are less frequently encountered than circulated examples, the secondary market data provided shows consistent trading in the $2–$12 range with multiple sales recorded from 2009 to 2020. The UNC catalog value of $22 (2019) and actual realized prices clustering around $3–$6 indicate ready availability among collectors. Print runs for Gambian specimens were adequate, and this specific denomination and variety continues to trade regularly without significant appreciation, confirming common status even among specimen variants.

Issued in 1991 under the governance of the Central Bank of The Gambia, this 5 Dalasi note commemorates Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, who served as the First President of the Republic of The Gambia following independence. The reverse's depiction of cattle herding reflects the nation's agricultural heritage and pastoral economy during this period. The note's design elements—combining national leadership portraiture with indigenous wildlife (the giant kingfisher) and traditional economic activities—represent The Gambia's identity during the early 1990s.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the First President of The Gambia, depicted wearing eyeglasses, positioned on the right side of the note. The central-left area showcases a detailed engraving of a giant kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima), a significant species in Gambian wildlife, rendered with intricate feather detail work. The background comprises an elaborate geometric grid pattern with small symbolic icons and ornamental border designs featuring repeating patterns in cream and white against the dominant pink and magenta base colors. The reverse depicts a pastoral agricultural scene with multiple cattle and human figures engaged in herding or farm work, set against a tropical landscape with palm trees, rendered in browns and creams within the same ornamental border framework. Fine line engraving work throughout conveys security and quality of production.

Front: 'CENTRAL BANK OF THE GAMBIA' (issuing authority); '5' (denomination); 'PROMISE TO PAY ON DEMAND THE SUM OF' (standard legal clause); 'SIR DAWDA KAIRABA JAWARA' (portrait subject); 'FIRST PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA' (historical designation); 'GOVERNOR' and signature of Edward Gietinghan (Central Bank official); 'GENERAL MANAGER' (secondary official title); 'A0000000' (specimen serial number). Back: 'CENTRAL BANK OF THE GAMBIA' (issuing authority); '5' (denomination); 'FIVE DALASIS' (denomination in words). Both sides feature the overprint 'SPECIMEN' in large red letters.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The intricate background patterns, fine line work, and complex engraved scenes visible in both the wildlife illustration and agricultural landscape are characteristic of intaglio production. The sharp, crisp details and color registration observed in the specimen indicate high-quality security printing typical of Central Bank of The Gambia currency production during this period.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-12as, the specimen variant (indicated by the 's' suffix) of the standard P-12a issue. The visual analysis confirms the specimen overprint in large red letters diagonal across both obverse and reverse, and the serial number shown as 'A0000000' is characteristic of specimen notes. PMG records indicate three cataloged variants for this Pick number base (P-12a, P-12a*, P-12b), with this example representing the specimen variety (as) with crocodile's head watermark. The signatures of Governor Edward Gietinghan are consistent with the 1991 issue period.