1 pound 1975
Market Prices
About This Note
An exceptional example of Ireland's Central Bank 1 Pound note from 1975 (Pick P-64c), graded UNC. This note features the distinctive security thread variant and displays the classic green and cream color scheme with ornate Celtic-inspired design work. The sharp engraving, clear red serial number (87K755008), and pristine condition with no visible wear, creases, or damage make this an exemplary specimen of Ireland's mid-1970s currency.
Common. The 1975 Central Bank of Ireland 1 Pound note represents regular issue currency from a major central bank with substantial print runs. The P-64c variant (with security thread) was a standard production version. eBay market data shows these notes trading regularly in the $25-$175 USD range depending on condition, with UNC examples typically priced around $85-$175 USD, consistent with common banknotes in high grades. This denomination and year are widely available in the collector market.
Issued by the Central Bank of Ireland on April 21, 1975, this note represents Ireland's post-independence monetary identity, incorporating bilingual English-Irish inscriptions and Celtic design elements reflecting the nation's cultural heritage. The classical male portrait on the reverse and the female profile on the obverse are characteristic of Irish currency design during this period, emphasizing historical and cultural symbolism during a time of economic development in the 1970s.
The obverse features a woman's profile portrait in classical style, facing left within an oval engraved frame, positioned on the left side of the note. The reverse displays a classical bearded male portrait head (likely representing a historical or mythological Irish figure) in three-quarter view, centered within elaborate architectural framing. Both sides are framed by ornate Celtic knot patterns and decorative scrollwork characteristic of Irish cultural design. The denomination £1 appears in decorative format in the corners of the obverse. The bilingual layout reflects post-independence Irish currency standards, with English and Irish (Gaelic) text given equal prominence throughout.
Front side: 'THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND' (English) / 'BANC CEANNAIS NA h EIREANN' (Irish: The Central Bank of Ireland); 'LEGAL TENDER NOTE' (English) / 'NOTA DLÍ-THAIRGHTHE' (Irish: Legal Tender Note); 'GOVERNOR' (English) / 'AN GOBHARNÓIR' (Irish: The Governor); 'SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE' (English) / 'RÚNAÍ NA ROINN AIRGÉADAIS' (Irish: Secretary of the Department of Finance); 'ONE POUND' (English) / 'PUNT' (Irish: Pound); Serial Number: 87K755008; Date: 21·4·75 (April 21, 1975). Back side: No text inscriptions, design-focused.
Intaglio (steel engraving) printing, a standard security printing technique for banknotes of this era. The note exhibits the characteristic fine line work, intricate engraving detail, and complex decorative patterns typical of Central Bank of Ireland notes produced during the 1970s. The sharp definition of the portrait work, border engraving, and security features visible in the UNC specimen indicate professional security printing standards.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-64c, the security thread variant. The PMG population report identifies four variants for this base Pick number: P-64a, P-64b, P-64c (with security thread - this specimen), and P-64d, all with the 'Head of Erin' watermark except P-64c which features the security thread as the distinguishing characteristic. The observed serial number 87K755008 with the 'K' prefix is consistent with the 1975 issuance. The date 21·4·75 (April 21, 1975) marks this as an early issuance from the first day of circulation.
