1 pound 1949
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a Central Bank of Ireland 1 Pound note from 1949 (Pick 57b), featuring the iconic portrait of Lady Hazel Lavery on the obverse and a classical male head representing the River Lee water spirit on the reverse. The note exhibits VF condition with age-appropriate patina and cream/tan coloration, displaying crisp engraving throughout with clear bilingual Irish/English inscriptions, making it a representative example of Ireland's mid-20th century currency.
Common. The 1945-1960 series of Central Bank of Ireland pound notes represents a standard circulation issue with substantial print runs. eBay market data confirms common status, with VF examples trading at $25.00 USD—a price point indicative of abundant supply and routine availability in the collector market. No print run restrictions, recall notices, or scarcity factors apply to this Pick number in VF condition.
Issued during the formative years of the independent Irish state (1945-1960 series), this 1949 note reflects Ireland's post-independence national identity through its bilingual presentation in English and Irish/Gaelic. The portrait of Lady Hazel Lavery, a symbolic figure in Irish cultural consciousness, and the mythological River Lee personification on the reverse demonstrate the Central Bank's commitment to incorporating Irish cultural and historical symbolism into the nation's currency design.
The obverse features Lady Hazel Lavery in an oval portrait frame on the left side, depicted with long hair and classical draped clothing in profile—a culturally significant choice representing Irish identity and artistic heritage. The reverse presents a bearded male head in classical Greco-Roman style, representing the personified River Lee, a major waterway of central Ireland, centered within ornate symmetrical decorative frames. Both sides employ elaborate Celtic knot designs, scrollwork flourishes, and scalloped decorative borders executed in teal/dark green engraving on a cream/beige background, reflecting the artistic standards of mid-20th century Irish banknote design.
FRONT SIDE: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND' (English) / 'BANC CEANNAIS NA hEIREANN' (Irish: The Central Bank of Ireland); 'LEGAL TENDER' (English) / 'NÓTA DLÍ-THAIRGTHE' (Irish: Legal Tender Note); Serial number '71A048213'; Signatures of 'Noel Brennan' (Governor) and 'M Mulally' (Secretary of the Department of Finance); 'GOVERNOR' (English) / 'AN GOBHARNÓIR' (Irish: The Governor); 'SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE' (English) / 'RÚNAIDHE NA ROINN AIRGEADAIS' (Irish: Secretary of the Department of Finance); Date '26·7·49' (26 July 1949); Denomination '£1'. REVERSE SIDE: No inscriptions present; design focuses on classical portraiture and decorative elements.
Intaglio (line engraving) process, evidenced by the fine line work, intricate border patterns, and detailed portraiture visible throughout both sides. The precision of the Celtic knotwork and classical scrollwork, along with the depth and clarity of the engraved designs, confirms traditional currency printing methodology employed by the Central Bank of Ireland during this period. Multiple security signatures serve as anti-counterfeiting measures integral to the intaglio process.
This note represents the standard variety of Pick 57b, identified by the signature combination of Noel Brennan (Governor) and M Mulally (Secretary), with the specific authorization date of 26 July 1949. The serial number prefix '71A' indicates this specimen from the standard production run. No documented scarce signature or date varieties are known to exist for this Pick number that would materially affect collector value.
