2 cedis 1977
Market Prices
25 salesAbout This Note
This is a pristine example of the 1977 Bank of Ghana 2 Cedis note (Pick P-14c) in uncirculated condition, displaying exceptional eye appeal with sharp printing and unblemished surfaces. The obverse features a striking portrait of a bearded man in traditional dress holding a staff, set against intricate pale green and cream geometric patterns, while the reverse depicts an evocative agricultural scene of workers harvesting grain or rice with detailed engraving work. This note represents Ghana's post-independence monetary heritage and remains readily available to collectors at modest market values, making it an accessible entry point for those interested in West African numismatics.
Common. This note remains widely available in the collector market, with consistent eBay sales records from 2009 to 2026 showing UNC examples trading in the $2–$13 range, with most sales clustering between $4–$6. The 2019 catalog value of $6 UNC confirms modest pricing typical of common-date, regularly-printed circulation notes from major African issuers. Print runs for this series were substantial, and the note was not subject to recall or special restrictions.
Issued on 2nd January 1977 under the statutory authority of the Bank of Ghana, this note was part of Ghana's monetary system during the period following the country's independence and consolidation of its central banking infrastructure. The agricultural imagery on the reverse—depicting workers in grain fields—reflects Ghana's economy of the era, which remained heavily dependent on agriculture and natural resource extraction despite the nation's efforts toward modernization and industrial development during this post-colonial period.
The obverse presents a three-quarter profile portrait of an unidentified bearded man wearing traditional Ghanaian dress with decorative patterning, positioned at right center and holding what appears to be a traditional agricultural or ceremonial staff. A prominent green five-pointed star containing 'BANK OF GHANA' is positioned at left, with large green denomination numerals '2' appearing in circular designs on both the left and right margins. The reverse depicts a detailed engraved scene of agricultural labor showing multiple workers bent over harvesting operations in what appears to be a rice or grain field, with vegetation visible in the background. Large decorative numeral '2' designs with flowing, wave-like patterns in purple, green, and other colors frame both sides of the reverse. The overall color palette of pale green, cream, tan, brown, and gray creates a sophisticated, unified aesthetic across both sides.
Front side: 'BANK OF GHANA' (issuing authority); 'THIS NOTE IS ISSUED ON STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND IS LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); '2ND JAN 1977' (issue date: 2nd January 1977); 'GOVERNOR' (signature line designation); 'Two Cedis' (denomination in words); Serial number '3399619'. Back side: 'BANK OF GHANA' (issuing authority); 'Two Cedis' (denomination in words).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the fine detail work, intricate geometric patterns, complex background line work, and the sharp, crisp rendering of portraits and agricultural scenes. The note was printed by Thomas De La Rue & Company (TDLR), Ghana's established security printer for this series, as indicated by the P-14CS1 variant designation in PMG records.
This example is identified as Pick P-14c based on catalog data, representing one of three known variants for the base Pick number 14. Known variants include P-14b (watermark: Arms), P-14c (watermark: eagle's head above star, as observed in this specimen), and P-14CS1 (printer: TDLR). The observed watermark of an eagle's head above a star confirms the P-14c variety. The note bears the signature line marked 'GOVERNOR' and the issue date of 2nd January 1977, consistent with the 1972–1978 series issuance period. Serial number observed: 3399619.
