1 pound 1981
“21.05.81”
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of the 1981 Central Bank of Ireland £1 note (Pick 70b), presented in uncirculated condition with crisp printing and pristine preservation. The note features a striking green color scheme with Celtic manuscript design elements, including a portrait of a long-haired figure on the obverse and an illuminated medieval initial 'R' on the reverse. Dated 21.05.81 with serial number CLD S29518, this note represents Ireland's distinctive approach to banknote design during the early 1980s, blending modern currency production with historical manuscript aesthetics.
Common. The 1981 £1 Irish pound note represents standard circulation currency from a major issuer with substantial print runs during the early 1980s. Uncirculated examples are readily available in the collector market at modest valuations, typically ranging from $5-15 USD depending on specific variety and serial number appeal. There is no evidence of restricted print runs, early withdrawal, or recall that would elevate this to scarce or rare status.
Issued in 1981 by the Central Bank of Ireland, this £1 note reflects Ireland's cultural emphasis on Celtic heritage and medieval manuscript tradition. The integration of old Irish manuscript text, illuminated letters, and Celtic spiral motifs throughout the design emphasizes the nation's historical identity during a period of modernization. The signatures of Governor an Eodharnóin and Secretary of the Department of Finance Taomas F. Ó Cléirigh appear in Irish, reinforcing the post-independence cultural nationalism that characterized Irish state institutions in the early 1980s.
The obverse (front) features a portrait of a historical figure with long, wavy shoulder-length hair in a serene forward-facing pose, positioned on the right side of the note. The design incorporates a Celtic artistic theme with spiral motifs and circular patterns in green, complemented by ornamental text and manuscript-style writing arranged vertically on the left margin. A large ornamental £1 denomination symbol dominates the lower portion. The reverse (back) showcases medieval manuscript design elements, particularly an elaborate illuminated initial letter 'R' rendered in red and brown with Celtic flourishes and decorative borders. The center-right displays the issuing authority text 'general bank of ireland' alongside another large £1 symbol featuring fine horizontal line pattern work. Background elements throughout incorporate green and red manuscript text in historical script style, creating a cohesive design that celebrates Irish cultural heritage.
FRONT SIDE: Baile Átha Cliath (Dublin); an Eodharnóin (The Governor); Taomas F. Ó Cléirigh (Thomas F. O'Clery); rúnaí na roinne airgeadais (Secretary of the Department of Finance); £1 (One pound); CLD S29518 21·05·81 (Serial number and date). BACK SIDE: general bank of ireland (General Bank of Ireland); £1 (One pound); legal tender (Legal tender); [Medieval manuscript text in Irish/Old Irish script present but not clearly legible in image analysis].
Intaglio engraving (line engraving) combined with multi-color offset lithography. The fine line engraving is evident throughout both sides, particularly in the detailed £1 denomination symbols and the illuminated manuscript elements. The complex color separation visible in the green, red, and brown inks suggests sophisticated offset printing technology. The integration of watermark areas and manuscript text as security features indicates production by a specialized security printer, likely De La Rue or Thomas De La Rue, who were primary security printers for the Central Bank of Ireland during this period.
Serial number CLD S29518 with date 21.05.81 indicates this is from the May 1981 printing run. The 'CLD' prefix denotes the Central Bank of Dublin series designation. Signatures of Taomas F. Ó Cléirigh as Department of Finance Secretary represent the 1981 signing variety. No notable overprints or error characteristics are evident from the visual analysis. This appears to be a standard production note from the established 1981 issue with no known premium varieties for Pick 70b.
