1 pound 1981

Common. This note was issued in substantial quantities during the 1977-1989 series run by the Central Bank of Ireland and remains widely available to collectors. The denomination, broad issuing period, and subsequent circulation history indicate no scarcity factors. While uncirculated examples command a modest premium over circulated specimens, the Pick P-70b variant itself is not rare or scarce in the collector market.

Issued during the period of the Central Bank of Ireland's modernization of the pound sterling series (1977-1989), this note celebrates Irish cultural heritage by featuring Queen Maeve (Medb), a legendary figure from Irish mythology, alongside medieval manuscript design elements. The bilingual inscriptions in English and Irish (Gaeilge) reflect Ireland's post-independence commitment to cultural identity, while the fine engraving and illuminated manuscript reproduction on the reverse demonstrate the technical sophistication of Irish currency design during this period.

The front features a portrait of Queen Maeve (Medb), the legendary warrior queen of Connacht from Irish mythology, depicted in profile facing right with long wavy hair, rendered in classical fine line engraving technique. The left side incorporates overlapping medieval Irish manuscript text as a background pattern, while elaborate Celtic spiral designs and vine motifs in green occupy the central design area, reflecting Ireland's pre-Christian artistic heritage. The reverse showcases a large illuminated manuscript initial letter 'R' with ornamental details in red and brown, surrounded by medieval Irish manuscript text in multiple colors, evoking the artistic tradition of illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells. The denomination '£1' appears prominently on both sides, with 'Central Bank of Ireland' and 'legal tender' designations clearly visible on the reverse.

FRONT SIDE: 'bord éadahnata' (Economic Board/Department); 'Tomas F Ósáighi' (signature of Tomas F O'Saighy); 'an gobharnóir' (the Governor); 'rúnaí na roinne airgeadois' (Secretary of the Finance Department); 'FID542843 08·05·81' (serial number and issue date); '£1' (one pound); 'one pound in circulation' (denomination statement). BACK SIDE: 'central bank of ireland' (issuing authority); 'legal tender' (legal tender designation); '£1' (denomination); Medieval Irish manuscript text including 'scéiliu oimo / acuillo cia / reoco roanth im' (partial medieval Irish text, styling renders complete translation uncertain).

Intaglio (line engraving) printing process, characteristic of high-security banknote production. The fine detail work visible in the portrait engraving, Celtic spiral designs, and illuminated manuscript reproduction indicates multi-plate intaglio printing. The note was produced by the Central Bank of Ireland's designated security printer, utilizing traditional anti-counterfeiting engraving techniques with watermark security features (Lady Lavery watermark as indicated by the P-70b designation).

This specimen is identified as Pick P-70b, distinguished by the Lady Lavery watermark. The PMG population data indicates four catalogued varieties (P-70a through P-70d) for the base 1 pound denomination, all sharing the same watermark but likely differing in signature combinations or subtle printing variations across the 1977-1989 issuance period. The specific date of 08.05.81 on this serial number (FID542843 08·05·81) indicates issuance in May 1981, relatively early in the series' production run. The signature combination of Tomas F O'Saighy (Governor) and the Finance Department Secretary's signature may represent a specific signature variety within the P-70b classification.