1 pound 1968

Common. The 1968 £1 note (P-64a) was part of a standard circulation series issued in significant quantities by the Central Bank of Ireland. eBay market data shows comparable uncirculated examples trading in the $25-$175 USD range, with most sales clustering around $85-$125 USD for UNC specimens, indicating steady collector interest but abundant supply. This denomination and year were produced in large print runs and remain readily available in the numismatic market.

Issued in 1968 by the Central Bank of Ireland following the country's independence and establishment of the Irish pound as official currency, this note reflects post-independence Ireland's emphasis on cultural identity through bilingual presentation and Celtic artistic motifs. The classical male head depicted on the reverse represents connections to Ireland's ancient Celtic heritage and classical education traditions. The signatures of Governor Mirian Leddin and T. Whitaker (Secretary of the Department of Finance) document the official monetary authority of the period.

This banknote features a distinctive two-sided design reflecting Irish cultural heritage. The obverse presents a left-facing female portrait (likely representing Éire, the personification of Ireland) in an oval frame, flanked by ornate Celtic knot borders and decorative shields containing the £1 denomination. The design employs bilingual text throughout, reflecting Ireland's official language policy. The reverse showcases an elaborate central rectangular frame with intricate wavy borders and geometric Celtic knot patterns, containing a classical male sculptural head rendered in the Greco-Roman style—likely representing a historical or mythological figure significant to Irish culture. The color scheme of dark green on cream/beige creates strong contrast and security-related visual impact characteristic of 1960s Irish currency design.

FRONT SIDE: 'The Central Bank of Ireland' / 'Banc Geannais na h Éireann' (Central Bank of Ireland); 'Legal Tender' / 'Nóta Dlí-Thairgthe' (Legal Tender Note); 'One Pound' / 'Púnt' (One Pound); 'Governor' / 'An Gobharnóir' (The Governor); 'Secretary of the Department of Finance' / 'Rúnaí na Roinne Airgeadais' (Secretary of the Department of Finance); Serial number: 24H689853; Date: 8th October 1968; Signatures: Mirian Leddin (Governor) and T. Whitaker (Secretary of Department of Finance). BACK SIDE: 'Banc Geannais na h Éireann' (Central Bank of Ireland) visible in background watermark pattern.

Intaglio engraving (also known as recess printing or copperplate engraving), evidenced by the fine line work, detailed cross-hatching in the background, sharp portrait definition, and the complex micro-detail visible in the Celtic border patterns and geometric designs. This traditional security printing method was standard for Central Bank of Ireland notes of this period and provided excellent anti-counterfeiting protection through the difficulty of replicating fine engraved details.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-64a variant, characterized by watermark 'Head of Erin.' The Pick catalog documents four distinct varieties for this base £1 note: P-64a (Wmk: Head of Erin), P-64b (Wmk: Head of Erin), P-64c (With Security Thread), and P-64d (Wmk: Head of Erin). The specific serial number 24H689853 and date of 8·10·68 with signatures of Mirian Leddin and T. Whitaker identify this as a genuine 1968 issuance. The 'H' prefix in the serial number may indicate a specific printing batch or series within 1968 production.