1 pound 1958

Common. The eBay historical transaction data demonstrates consistent, modest market activity with VF examples selling for $27-82 USD (with most transactions in the $27-53 range), indicating healthy collector demand but no scarcity premium. The Pick catalog lists seven variants (P-18a through P-18cs), suggesting substantial production runs across multiple signature variations. As a regularly issued currency note from a 17-year issue period (1958-1975) with no recorded recalls or short production runs, this represents standard circulation-era currency that remains readily available to collectors.

Issued in 1958 under the Currency Note Ordinance of 1934, this note represents Gibraltar's post-war monetary independence under British colonial administration. The imagery—the Rock of Gibraltar and the three-towered castle arms (Insignia Montis Calpe)—directly references Gibraltar's strategic geographic and historical significance as a British fortress and trading post at the entrance to the Mediterranean. The 'Financial Secretary' signature authority reflects the local administrative structure of Gibraltar's government during this period of currency nationalization.

This note features classical British colonial banknote design by Thomas de la Rue. The obverse displays the Rock of Gibraltar—a prominent rocky limestone formation rising dramatically from the sea—rendered in fine black and white engraving within a rectangular central vignette. Ornamental 'P' symbols occupy all four corners with elaborate scrollwork borders in green and cream. The reverse showcases Gibraltar's coat of arms: a shield bearing a three-towered castellated fortress (representing the historical Castle of Gibraltar), with the Latin inscription 'Insignia Montis Calpe' (the ancient Roman name for Gibraltar). The denomination and legal tender declaration are prominently displayed, reflecting late-Victorian/Edwardian design conventions typical of De la Rue's high-security currency work.

FRONT: 'ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR' / 'UNDER AUTHORITY OF THE CURRENCY NOTE ORDINANCE OF 1934' / 'ONE POUND' / 'CURRENCY NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER IN GIBRALTAR FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' / Serial number 'F506109' / Date '3rd October 1958' / Signature authority 'FINANCIAL SECRETARY' / Printer 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED'. BACK: 'ONE POUND' / 'INSIGNIA' (Emblem/Insignia) / 'MONTIS CALPE' (Of the Mountain Calpe—Latin names for Gibraltar) / Printer 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED'.

Intaglio (steel engraving and line engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London. The fine cross-hatching, intricate scrollwork, and high-quality line work visible throughout are characteristic of professional currency engraving. Security features include fine-line background patterns and complex decorative elements designed to prevent counterfeiting. The note exhibits the precise registration and color separation typical of De la Rue's mid-20th century currency production.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-18a, identified by Thomas de la Rue printing and Key Pattern watermark. The visual analysis confirms the signature title 'FINANCIAL SECRETARY' and the serial number prefix 'F' with serial number 506109. The specific issue date of '3rd October 1958' places this within the earliest issuance period. PMG has catalogued seven variants for this base Pick number (P-18a, P-18as, P-18b, P-18bs, P-18c, P-18cs, P-18s), likely distinguishing between different signature authorities, dates within the 1958-1975 range, or printer variants. Without access to comprehensive signature authority records for Gibraltar's Financial Secretaries during this period, the exact distinguishing characteristics beyond the P-18a base designation cannot be precisely determined from available data.