50 cedis 1983

Common. This note was part of a regular issue circulating from 1983–1986 and was produced in significant quantities for domestic circulation in Ghana. Secondary market data shows consistent availability with UNC examples selling for $7–20 over the past 15 years, with an average price around $10–12 for UNC grades. The high volume of transactions and broad price range indicate robust supply and steady but not exceptional collector demand. No evidence of scarcity, short print run, or recall exists for this Pick number.

Issued on 1st April 1983 by the Bank of Ghana, this note emerged during a pivotal period of economic restructuring under the Rawlings government's Economic Recovery Programme. The agricultural imagery on the reverse—showing multiple workers engaged in grain harvesting—reflects Ghana's emphasis on agricultural self-sufficiency and rural development as cornerstones of national recovery. The motto 'FOR THE NATION' inscribed on the obverse underscores the civic symbolism embedded in the currency design of this era.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of a dignified figure wearing traditional Ghanaian headwear, positioned at the left-center of the note. The right side displays the national coat of arms at center top, featuring a star and geometric patterns symbolic of Ghana's national identity. Fine geometric borders and decorative patterns frame the design in rose, brown, and purple. The reverse showcases a detailed engraving of approximately 8–10 agricultural workers of varying ages engaged in harvesting grain in a rural field setting, rendered in fine linework characteristic of security engraving. The workers are depicted with traditional tools, emphasizing Ghana's agrarian heritage. The design is anchored by decorative chevron and zigzag borders in pink and olive-brown, with denomination markers prominently displayed on both sides.

Front Side: 'Bank of GHANA' (issuing authority); 'FIFTY CEDIS' and '50' (denomination); 'FOR THE NATION' (national motto); 'THIS NOTE IS ISSUED ON STATUTORY AUTHORITY AND IS LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal tender declaration); 'Governor' (signature line); '1ST.APRIL 1983' (issue date); 'B 4822684' (serial number). Back Side: 'BANK OF GHANA' (issuing authority); 'Fifty Cedis' and '50' (denomination markers on left and right sides).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on the primary design elements, combined with multicolor offset lithography for the background colors and security features. The fine line patterns, microprinting, and intricate geometric designs throughout the note are consistent with high-security bank note production standards of the early 1980s. The sharp detail in both the portrait and the agricultural scene on the reverse indicates professional currency-grade engraving and printing, typical of notes produced by established international security printers contracted by the Bank of Ghana during this period.

This specific example is dated 1st April 1983 with serial number B 4822684. The Pick P-25 encompasses issues from 1983–1986 with three recorded printing date variants (1983, 15.5.1984, and 15.7.1986), as noted in reference catalogs. The present note represents the earliest variant from the initial 1983 printing. Serial number prefixes and signatures may vary across the issue period, making the 'B' prefix and corresponding signature variants useful for distinguishing between different printings within the P-25 designation.