5 pounds 1975
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5 salesAbout This Note
This is a PMG 67 EPQ graded 5 Pounds note from Gibraltar dated 20th November 1975, representing one of the early issues from the Government of Gibraltar under the Currency Note Ordinance. The note exhibits exceptional clarity and crispness with no visible wear, creases, or deterioration, reflecting its near-mint condition. The obverse features a well-executed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II rendered in fine line engraving, while the reverse depicts an ornate Victorian/Gothic-style government building characteristic of Gibraltar's colonial architecture, making this an attractive example of early Gibraltar currency.
Common. This is a regular issue note from Gibraltar's inaugural currency series, and the eBay price tracking data provided shows consistent availability with examples selling in the $8-12 range for lower grades (F condition). While the PMG 67 EPQ grade represents high quality, comparable graded examples (PMG 67) sold for approximately $221 in 2019, which is moderate for a graded specimen but not indicative of scarcity. Print runs for Gibraltar's 1975 series were sufficient to establish this as a standard circulation and collector item. The note is neither scarce nor particularly valuable in relation to most world currency issues.
Issued in 1975, this note represents Gibraltar's early period of monetary autonomy under direct British Crown control, with the Government of Gibraltar asserting its authority over currency issuance through the Currency Note Ordinance Cap 39. The architectural imagery on the reverse—a prominent stone government building with Victorian Gothic elements—reflects Gibraltar's heritage as a British colonial possession with distinctive architectural traditions. The prominently featured portrait of Queen Elizabeth II underscores Gibraltar's position within the British Commonwealth during this era.
The obverse (front) features a rightward-positioned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in profile, facing left, rendered in formal style with regalia including necklace and earrings, complemented by the Rock of Gibraltar depicted on the left side showing the distinctive natural rock formation. The portrait serves as the primary watermark as well. The reverse (back) displays a detailed multi-story stone government building in Victorian/Gothic architectural style, featuring prominent chimneys, arched windows and doorways, ornate stonework, and decorative balconies. Both sides employ elaborate ornamental scrollwork in all four corners. The Government of Gibraltar coat of arms or heraldic shield appears at the bottom center of the obverse. The color scheme combines light green and cream backgrounds with darker green and black accents, creating a traditional yet distinctive appearance for this territorial currency.
Front side inscriptions: 'ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF GIBRALTAR' — Issued by the Government of Gibraltar; 'UNDER AUTHORITY OF THE CURRENCY NOTE ORDINANCE CAP 39' — Under authority of the Currency Note Ordinance Cap 39; 'FIVE POUNDS' — Five Pounds; 'GIBRALTAR' — Gibraltar; '20th Nov. 1975' — Issue date of 20th November 1975; 'E220809' — Serial number; 'CURRENCY NOTES ARE LEGAL TENDER IN GIBRALTAR FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY AMOUNT' — Currency notes are legal tender in Gibraltar for the payment of any amount; 'FINANCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY' — Title of authorizing official; 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' — Printer identification. Back side inscriptions: 'FIVE POUNDS' — Five Pounds; '£5' — Five Pounds sterling denomination symbol.
This note was produced by Thomas De La Rue & Company, Limited (noted as TDLR in catalog records), employing traditional intaglio/engraving printing methods characteristic of high-security banknote production. The visual analysis confirms fine line engraving throughout with detailed cross-hatching patterns in background areas and complex architectural line work serving as anti-counterfeiting measures. The multi-color printing on the obverse (green on multicolored underprint) and the precision of the architectural rendering on the reverse indicate the sophisticated offset and letterpress combination techniques typical of De La Rue's banknote production during this period.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-21a, characterized by the TDLR (Thomas De La Rue) printer mark and the QEII (Queen Elizabeth II) watermark. The PMG population report identifies multiple variants for this base Pick number (P-21CS1, P-21a, P-21as, P-21b, P-21s), with P-21a being distinguished by its standard TDLR production and QEII watermark configuration. The serial number observed (E220809) contains the prefix letter 'E', which may be relevant for distinguishing between print batches, though no specific serial number variety designations are apparent from the catalog data. The signature line identified as 'FINANCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY' represents the authorized issuer designation for this period.
