1 pound 1974
Market Prices
About This Note
This is an uncirculated 1974 Central Bank of Ireland One Pound note (Pick P-64c), featuring the security thread variant identified in the PMG population report. The note displays pristine condition with no signs of wear, creasing, or discoloration, presenting excellent eye appeal with vibrant green and cream coloring. The front showcases an elegantly engraved female portrait in Celtic-bordered frame, while the reverse features a classical male head, both rendered in fine detail characteristic of high-security currency design from this period.
Common. The 1974 Irish One Pound notes were issued in substantial quantities during a standard circulation period. The eBay price tracking data shows market prices ranging from $25–$175 USD for various conditions, with UNC examples averaging $85–$175, which is typical market-driven pricing for common circulated-era banknotes in premium grades rather than rarity-driven valuation. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or short-lived issuance exists for this Pick number. The security thread variant (P-64c) is a standard cataloging distinction rather than a rare production variant.
This 1974 issue represents the Central Bank of Ireland's currency during the early years following Ireland's 1973 accession to the European Economic Community. The bilingual inscriptions in English and Irish (Gaeilge) reflect Ireland's constitutional commitment to the Irish language, while the classical and Celtic design motifs honor both Ireland's historical heritage and its position as a modern European nation. The dated signature line (17·5·74) marks this as part of the transitional currency series issued during a pivotal period in Irish economic history.
The front features a left-facing female profile portrait in an oval frame, rendered in classical engraved style with fine cross-hatching, likely representing a personification of Ireland or a historical female figure significant to Irish heritage. The portrait is surrounded by ornate Celtic scrollwork and knotwork patterns in all four corners, with pound sterling symbols (£) positioned in the upper corners. The reverse displays a central medallion containing a classical male head with curly hair and full beard (possibly representing a historical or mythological figure from Irish or classical tradition), encased in an elaborate scalloped rectangular frame incorporating Celtic and classical decorative elements. Both sides maintain a cream/beige background with green ink printing, creating strong visual contrast and enhanced security through intricate line work.
Front Side: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF / BANC CEANNAIS NA' (The Central Bank of), 'IRELAND / H ÉIREANN' (Ireland), 'LEGAL TENDER / NÓTA DLÍ-THAIRGETHE' (Legal Tender), 'ONE POUND / PUNT' (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: 39K130629. Date: 17·5·74 (17 May 1974). Back Side: No inscriptions visible in the visual analysis provided.
Intaglio/engraving printing method, evidenced by the fine, precise line work, detailed cross-hatching in the portraits, and complex decorative borders. The Central Bank of Ireland employed established security printers for this series; this note was likely produced by Thomas De la Rue or a similar high-security currency printer of the period. The security thread variant (P-64c) indicates incorporation of embedded security thread technology typical of 1970s currency production standards.
This note is identified as Pick P-64c, the security thread variant of the 1974 Irish One Pound issue. The PMG population report indicates four cataloged variants exist: P-64a (Head of Erin watermark), P-64b (Head of Erin watermark), P-64c (security thread—this note), and P-64d (Head of Erin watermark). The visible serial number 39K130629 and signature date of 17·5·74 are consistent with the 1974 issue period. The 39K prefix suggests a mid-range serial number assignment from the production run.
