1 pound 1958

Common. eBay price tracking data shows consistent market prices in the $6.99–$17.00 USD range for uncirculated examples, with the 2016 catalogue value for Fine condition at $150 USD. The note's Pick number P-1c represents a standard regular-issue variant from an established issuer (Barclays Bank), and no print-run restriction or scarcity indicators are evident. The PMG population report shows this Pick number (P-1c) was graded and entered into their database, confirming it exists in sufficient quantity to warrant professional grading records. The absence of any special overprints, error indicators, or short-run issuer status supports classification as a common circulating issue.

This note was issued during the 1950s when the Isle of Man was establishing its monetary independence under the Act of Tynwald, as referenced in the banknote's legal promise-to-pay text. Barclays Bank's Douglas office served as the issuing authority, and the reverse vignette depicting Douglas harbor reflects the island's maritime heritage and economic importance as a shipping and trading center during the post-war period. The ornate Victorian-influenced design aesthetic reflects banking conventions of the era, emphasizing security through elaborate engraving rather than modern security printing techniques.

The note employs a classical Victorian-era banknote design with symmetrical ornamental borders featuring elaborate scrollwork, quatrefoil corner designs, and an ornamental 'L' monogram (likely representing the pound denomination or Lombard Street) positioned in decorative circles on the left and right sides of the front. The front features a centrally positioned 'ONE POUND' denomination in a cartouche surrounded by fine line work and engraved security patterns. The reverse displays a detailed landscape vignette in an ornate oval frame depicting Douglas harbor with period sailing vessels, steamships, waterfront industrial buildings, and hills in the background—a reference to the island's maritime economy. The design lacks portrait imagery, instead relying on architectural and scenic elements to establish authority and local identity. All surfaces employ fine-line engraving work characteristic of security printing practices of the 1950s.

FRONT: 'ONE POUND' (denomination); 'BARCLAYS BANK LIMITED' (issuer); 'Promise to Pay the Bearer on Demand at their Office in DOUGLAS' (legal tender declaration); 'in terms of Act of Tynwald' (legislative authority); Serial number '429924'; Signature titles 'Chief Clerk' and 'Manager'; Date '2 MAR 19' (partial date, likely 1954-1959 range); Location 'DOUGLAS'. BACK: 'BARCLAYS BANK LIMITED' (issuer repeated); 'DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN' (issuing location); 'HEAD OFFICE: 54 LOMBARD STREET, LONDON, E.C.' (bank's London headquarters); Decorative numeral '1' in ornamental circles.

Intaglio/Engraved printing by W&S (Waterlow & Sons, a noted British security printer). The observable fine-line patterns, ornate scrollwork, and detailed landscape vignette are all hallmarks of intaglio engraving. The crisp definition of borders, the three-dimensional quality of the decorative elements, and the intricate detail in the harbor scene confirm this was produced using traditional copper/steel plate engraving methods rather than lithography or modern offset printing.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-1c, representing one of seven known variants for the base £1 Pick number from this issue period (1954-1959). The visual analysis confirms printing by W&S (Waterlow & Sons). Related varieties include P-1d (also W&S printer), P-18b, P-18cts (both W&S), and portrait variants P-13a, P-13r, and P-19b. Serial number 429924 and the partial date '2 MAR 19' (likely 1954-1959) are consistent with the P-1c variety. The green stamp/mark and blue handwritten notations visible on the note may indicate previous collection or banking institution markings but do not affect the assigned variety classification.