1 pound 1977
“17.11.77”
About This Note
This is an UNC example of the Central Bank of Ireland's 1977 £1 note (Pick 70a), featuring exceptional preservation with crisp, clear printing throughout. The note showcases the distinctive Irish cultural design elements characteristic of this series, with a portrait of a woman rendered in fine engraved detail on the obverse and an ornate illuminated manuscript-style initial on the reverse. The bilingual Irish/English inscriptions and Celtic decorative elements make this a notable example of Ireland's numismatic heritage from the post-independence period.
Common. The 1977 £1 note (Pick 70a) was issued in substantial quantities by the Central Bank of Ireland and remains relatively widely available in the numismatic market. While UNC examples are desirable to collectors, they are not scarce. Standard issue banknotes from major national central banks of this era typically had large print runs, and this denomination and year do not represent a short-lived or recalled issue.
Issued in 1977 by the Central Bank of Ireland, this banknote reflects Ireland's cultural identity during a period of economic transition in the 1970s. The prominent use of Irish language (Gaeilge) throughout the design, combined with Celtic artistic motifs and manuscript-inspired imagery, emphasizes Ireland's connection to its Gaelic heritage and medieval monastic manuscript tradition. The note was issued during a pivotal time in Irish monetary history, preceding the eventual adoption of the Euro in 2002.
The obverse features a portrait of a woman with long, curled shoulder-length hair, characteristic of 1970s styling, rendered in fine engraved line work positioned on the right side of the note. The composition incorporates extensive Celtic spiral decorative patterns with circular motifs and ornamental knotwork borders in green, reflecting Ireland's medieval artistic heritage. The reverse displays a prominent illuminated manuscript-style initial letter 'R' in red and brown with elaborate Celtic knotwork, reminiscent of medieval Irish monastic manuscripts such as the Book of Kells. Both sides incorporate Irish manuscript text as background security and design elements, with the Central Bank of Ireland identification and 'legal tender' declaration on the reverse. The color palette of green, brown, red, cream, and gold/tan creates a warm, heritage-focused aesthetic.
FRONT SIDE: '£1' (One pound denomination); 'beir beannachtaí is haireamh' (carry blessings and account); 'an totharnóin' (the governor); 'meallhóidhim' (would please/delight); 'rúnaí na zoinne airgeadóis' (secretary of the treasury); 'an tOllathach' (the professor/scholar); Serial number 'FKB 154383' with date '17:11:77' (17 November 1977). REVERSE SIDE: 'central bank of ireland' (English issuer identification); '£1' (One pound denomination); 'legal tender' (English legal tender declaration); Additional Irish manuscript text 'Scéilill oímo' and 'longpo' (precise translation uncertain, likely fragment of Irish text).
Intaglio (engraving) printing method, evidenced by the fine line detail visible in the portrait, the precise rendering of Celtic knotwork, and the crisp manuscript text backgrounds. The layered color application and sharp registration of multiple color elements are consistent with security intaglio printing. For this Pick number (70a), the note was produced by Harrison and Sons, a premier British security printer, utilizing their advanced engraving and multi-color intaglio processes.
This specific example is identified as Pick 70a variety with serial number prefix 'FKB' and date of 17 November 1977. The 1977 £1 note exists in multiple varieties distinguished by signature combinations (various Central Bank governors and secretaries) and serial number prefixes. This particular note with the FKB prefix and November 1977 date represents one variant within the broader 70a classification. The collector notation '17.11.77' matches the printed date on the note, suggesting this was the date of acquisition or cataloging.
