2 shillings 6 pence 1943

Common. While military payment notes are collected, this particular denomination and issue from 1943 was produced in substantial quantities for wartime distribution. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $5–$18 range across various grades over multiple years, with VF examples selling between $6.50–$10.25 (2017–2020) and the most recent VF sale at $7.86 (2026). Catalog values of $17.50 for VF (2008) reflect collector interest but not scarcity; the consistent availability and moderate pricing across grades indicates this is a commonly encountered note among military currency collectors.

Issued by the British Military Authority in 1943, this note was produced for use by British forces and Allied personnel in occupied territories during World War II. The heraldic lion crowned and the royal crown depicted on the obverse symbolized British sovereignty and authority during the military occupation period, reinforcing the legitimacy of British military scrip in foreign theaters of operation. These Military Payment Notes were essential instruments for managing currency in war zones where standard British coinage and banknotes were impractical or unavailable.

The obverse features a central oval medallion containing a heraldic lion passant guardant (a lion walking with head turned toward viewer) wearing a royal crown, positioned above a pearl-studded crown with an ornate cross—classic symbols of British royal authority. The lion and crown are rendered in green tones within the oval frame, flanked by laurel wreaths on both sides symbolizing victory and honor. The note is bordered with pink/red ornamental patterns and cream/beige background, with denomination markings in all four corners. The reverse displays an elaborate decorative numeral '2/6' in flourished serif script, surrounded by symmetrical ornamental scrollwork and foliage designs, with scallop shell fan patterns in purple/lavender tones and olive-green accents creating a balanced, symmetrical composition.

Front: 'ISSUED BY THE BRITISH MILITARY AUTHORITY' (denoting the issuing authority), 'TWO SHILLINGS SIX PENCE' (full denomination spelled out), '2/6' (abbreviated denomination), and 'S' (likely a series or signature indicator). Back: '2/6' (denomination repeated in decorative script). All inscriptions are in English.

Intaglio/engraving printing, evidenced by the fine line engraving throughout, intricate cross-hatch background patterns, and complex ornamental designs. The precision of the heraldic lion, crown details, and decorative scrollwork are characteristic of bank note engraving. The note was produced by Thomas De La Rue & Company, the primary security printer for British Military Authority notes during this period.

This note corresponds to Pick catalog number P-M3. The PMG population report references P-M36a (£1 denomination) as a documented variant, but the current note is the 2 Shillings 6 Pence denomination. Serial number prefixes, signature variations, and date varieties may exist within the 1943 issue; however, without clear serial number visibility in the visual analysis, specific variety designation cannot be definitively assigned. The uncirculated condition and pristine appearance suggest this is an earlier-period printing or carefully preserved example from the initial 1943 issue run.