1 pound 1943

Common. eBay auction data shows F-grade specimens selling for $26.51 (2014) with moderate bidding activity, while VF examples achieve $41, placing this note within typical market expectations for post-war military currency. Catalogue values (2008) of $15 VG/$45 VF/$100 UNC further confirm standard availability. The British Military Authority issued these notes in substantial quantities across multiple denominations for operational necessity, and surviving examples remain readily available to collectors. No evidence suggests this specific Pick M6a variety was a limited print run or short-lived issue.

The British Military Authority issued these notes between 1943-1947 for use in occupied territories and military zones during and immediately after World War II. The heraldic lion with crown emblem depicted on both sides reflects British sovereign authority and legitimacy during military administration. These notes served as practical currency in theaters where standard Bank of England notes were impractical, making them both numismatic artifacts and historical documents of the post-war occupation period.

The obverse features a large ornate £1 symbol as the central design element, flanked by heraldic lion designs rendered in green, orange, and cream tones with elaborate scrollwork and filigree ornamentation. The reverse displays a heraldic lion with crown emblem enclosed in a circular frame on the right side, with the 'ISSUED BY THE BRITISH MILITARY AUTHORITY' text and denomination prominently positioned in the center. Both sides employ intricate geometric and floral background patterns with scalloped decorative borders. The design lacks portraits, reflecting the utilitarian emergency currency purpose, and instead emphasizes heraldic symbolism and elaborate security ornamentation throughout.

Front side: '£1' (One pound denomination marker, appears in corners). Back side: 'ISSUED BY THE' and 'BRITISH MILITARY AUTHORITY' (issuing authority declaration), 'ONE POUND' (denomination), '£1' (corner denomination markers), '40K 630380' (serial number).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) and multicolor lithography, typical of British currency of the 1940s period. The fine line filigree patterns, intricate geometric designs, and precision of the heraldic elements indicate professional security printing. The British Military Authority contracted with established security printers for this series, likely including Thomas De La Rue or Bradbury Wilkinson, though specific printer attribution for individual denominations requires archival documentation.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-M6a, with three known variants recorded by PMG (P-M6b, P-M6c, P-M6d). Specific distinguishing characteristics between varieties typically involve serial number prefixes, color variations in the multicolor printing, or minor design modifications. The observed serial number '40K 630380' suggests this example bears the '40K' prefix. Without direct comparison to other varieties or access to detailed PMG population reports, the specific features distinguishing this P-M6a from subsequent variants (P-M6b through P-M6d) cannot be definitively stated from visual analysis alone, but collector references should clarify the identifying characteristics of each Pick variant.