1 pound 1958

Common. The eBay market data shows relatively recent sales in the $40-70 range for EF/AU specimens, and catalogue values list UNC examples at $150 (2016 data). These moderate prices and the existence of multiple documented sales indicate this is a regularly traded note in the market. The Pick catalog recognizes four variants (P-15a, P-15b, P-15c, P-15s), suggesting a reasonably substantial print run across the variety series. No evidence of rarity or limited mintage for the P-15c specifically.

Issued under the Currency Note Ordinance of 1954 and dated 3rd October 1958, this note represents Gibraltar's assertion of monetary independence during the post-war period. The prominent depiction of the Rock of Gibraltar—the territory's most recognizable geographic and symbolic feature—anchors the design, while the coat of arms on the reverse (featuring the castle tower and key) reinforces Gibraltar's distinct identity separate from Spanish sovereignty, reflecting the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War era.

The obverse features a detailed central vignette of the Rock of Gibraltar depicted as a massive rocky promontory rising prominently from the sea, rendered in fine engraving. The design is framed by symmetrical, ornate Baroque-style scrollwork with intricate flourishes in all four corners, where pound sterling symbols (£) are positioned. The reverse displays the coat of arms of Gibraltar at center—featuring a three-crenellated castle tower with a key below it—all enclosed within an elaborate decorative frame of scrollwork and floral patterns. Both sides employ fine line work and crosshatching throughout, characteristic of high-security currency engraving. The color palette consists of green on tan/beige underprint on the obverse and green/black on the reverse.

FRONT: 'ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR' | 'Under AUTHORITY OF THE CURRENCY NOTE ORDINANCE 1954' | 'ONE POUND' | 'CURRENCY NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER IN GIBRALTAR FOR THE PAYMENT OF AN AMOUNT' | Serial number: F871059 | 'GIBRALTAR' | Date: '3rd October 1958' | Signature title: 'FINANCIAL SECRETARY' | Printer mark: 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED'. BACK: 'ONE POUND' | Heraldic inscription: 'MONTIS INSIGNIA CAUDE' (The emblem on the mount) | Printer mark: 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED'.

Intaglio engraving, printed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London. The fine line work, detailed crosshatching, complex geometric patterns in the ornamental borders, and the sharp, crisp impressions visible in the analysis all confirm traditional intaglio plate printing. The security features rely entirely on the intricacy of the engraved design rather than modern anti-counterfeiting elements, typical of banknotes from this era.

This note is identified as Pick P-15c based on catalog data. The visual analysis identifies printer W&S (Waterlow & Sons, though the printer's mark clearly states Thomas de la Rue & Company, suggesting a potential dual attribution or cross-referencing issue in catalog systems). The note exhibits a signature title of 'FINANCIAL SECRETARY' and bears the date 3rd October 1958. Serial number F871059 is visible. The ordinance authority cited is 1954, though the actual issue date referenced in external catalogs spans 1938-1958. The horizontal fold visible across the center suggests this may have been stored or circulated, accounting for the fold despite its stated UNC grade—this is a common condition note that was likely never heavily circulated but was handled.