1 pound 1962

Common. The 1962 One Pound note P-64a represents a regular issue from the Central Bank of Ireland's early currency period with substantial print runs. eBay market data shows AU-graded examples trading in the $96.00 range, indicating active collector supply without premium pricing. The note was not recalled, limited in issue, or from a short-lived authority. While attractive and historically significant to Irish numismatics, the circulation figures and current market pricing place this firmly in the common category rather than scarce or rare.

This 1962 One Pound note was issued during the Central Bank of Ireland's early period of currency management following independence, when Irish banknotes featured distinctly Celtic and classical artistic elements to establish national identity. The bilingual inscriptions in English and Irish (Gaeilge) reflect the constitutional status of Irish as the first official language of the Republic of Ireland. The classical sculptural imagery and Celtic knotwork patterns reference Ireland's historical and cultural heritage, serving both an artistic and nationalist purpose in the nation's monetary design.

The obverse features a left-facing classical female portrait in a circular engraved frame, likely representing a personification of Ireland or a historical Irish female figure, positioned on the left side of the note. The reverse displays a bearded male head sculpture with curled hair in classical Greco-Roman style, centered within multiple layers of ornamental framing. Both sides employ elaborate Celtic knotwork patterns and symmetrical decorative borders in the corners and margins, executed in green on a cream/beige background. The design reflects the Central Bank of Ireland's commitment to representing Irish cultural and historical imagery in their currency, with signatures from the Governor and Secretary of the Department of Finance authorizing the issue. The fine line engraving throughout demonstrates high-quality security printing standards of the period.

FRONT SIDE: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND' (English) / 'BANC CEANNAIS NA hÉIREANN' (Irish: Central Bank of Ireland) | 'LEGAL TENDER' (English) / 'NÓTA DLÍ-THAIRGRTHE' (Irish: Legal Tender Note) | 'ONE POUND' (English) / 'PUNT' (Irish: Pound) | 'GOVERNOR' (English) / 'AN GOBHARNÓIR' (Irish: The Governor) | 'SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE' (English) / 'RÚNAÍ NA ROINN AIRGEADAIS' (Irish: Secretary of the Department of Finance) | Signature: Governor's signature (rendered as 'neaRmuircealáin' in Irish script) | Signature: 'M. Whitaker' (Secretary of Finance) | Serial number: '92F610522' | Date: '16·3·62' (16 March 1962) | BACK SIDE: No text inscriptions visible.

This note was produced using traditional intaglio engraving (line engraving) on steel plates, evidenced by the fine cross-hatching visible in the portrait areas, the crisp definition of the Celtic knotwork patterns, and the consistent ink depth throughout the design. The multi-color printing shows green primary engraving with black secondary elements and red serial numbers, typical of mid-20th century banknote production. The Irish banknotes of this era were typically printed by the Central Bank's contracted security printer, with craftsmanship reflecting established European banknote production standards.

This note is identified as P-64a (Pick catalog designation), characterized by the watermark featuring the Head of Erin. The PMG population report indicates four variants exist for this base Pick number: P-64a, P-64b, P-64c (with security thread), and P-64d, all featuring the Head of Erin watermark except potentially P-64c which added a security thread innovation. The observed note's date of 16 March 1962 and serial number 92F610522 with signatures of the Governor and M. Whitaker (Secretary of Finance) are consistent with the standard P-64a variety issued during this period.