5 pounds 1967

Common. The 1967 Isle of Man £5 note (P-26b) is a regular-issue note with no indicators of limited print run or recall. The eBay market data shows a VF specimen sold for approximately $203.50, with catalog valuations of $185 (VF) and $1,500 (UNC) from 2019 sources, suggesting steady collector interest but no extreme scarcity premium. The note was issued in substantial quantities as part of the Isle of Man Government's circulating currency series, and examples remain available in the collector market. The UNC condition of this example commands a higher value than circulated grades, but the Pick number itself represents a standard, widely-issued denomination from a recognized government issuer.

This note was issued during the 1960s when the Isle of Man Government sought to establish its own currency identity while maintaining the British pound sterling connection. The iconography deliberately celebrates Manx heritage: the triskelion (three armored legs) is the ancient symbol of the Isle of Man, representing strength and resilience, while Castle Rushen, constructed in 1275, stands as the longest-inhabited castle in the British Isles and symbolizes the island's historical sovereignty and defensive prowess. The Latin motto 'Quocunque Jeceris Stabit' (Whichever way you throw it, it will stand) further reinforces themes of stability and Manx identity.

The obverse features a left-aligned portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II in profile facing right, depicted in formal attire with decorative brooch or medal, rendered in subtle blue-gray intaglio engraving. Dominating the center is the circular Isle of Man Government seal featuring the triskelion (three armored legs in silver/white) on a green field with text border—this emblem serves as both the coat of arms and the note's primary watermark. The upper center portion includes a geographical outline or map of the Isle of Man itself. The note employs a green and blue color scheme with cream/white accents, with ornamental loops and decorative borders framing the top and bottom. The reverse presents Castle Rushen in elaborate high-detail intaglio engraving, showing a crenellated medieval fortress with multiple towers, fortified walls, and surrounding landscape features including water and vegetation. The reverse is rendered in black and cream tones with ornamental shields bearing the numeral '5' in the bottom corners and intricate Celtic-style knotwork framing the entire design.

FRONT SIDE: 'Isle of Man Government' (issuing authority); 'Promise to Pay the Bearer on Demand at Any Office of Isle of Man Bank Limited' (legal tender promise); 'Five Pounds' / '£5' (denomination); 'For the Government, P.R. Stallard, Lieutenant Governor' (authorized official signature); 'Quocunque Jeceris Stabit' (Latin motto meaning 'Whichever way you throw it, it will stand'); Serial number: 250919. BACK SIDE: 'Five Pounds' (denomination); 'Castle Rushen 1275' (landmark identification and construction date); 'Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd, New Malden, Surrey, England' (printer information).

Intaglio/Engraving process performed by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd (BWC), a renowned British security printer located in New Malden, Surrey. The visual analysis confirms multiple layers of fine-line engraving, cross-hatching, and stippling techniques for depth and shading, particularly evident in the castle illustration and portrait rendering. The geometric patterns and repeating motifs throughout provide security against counterfeiting. Complex border designs and the watermarked triskelion emblem are integral to the intaglio design.

This is cataloged as Pick P-26b, one of six documented variants for the base £5 denomination from this series (P-26a, P-26b, P-26cts, P-26s1, P-26s2, P-26s3). All variants share Bradbury Wilkinson & Co as the printer (BWC). The visual analysis confirms this as the standard variant (P-26b) rather than the specimen (cts) or special serial number varieties. The signature of P.R. Stallard as Lieutenant Governor is consistent with the 1967 dating of this pick number. Serial number 250919 is of standard format with no prefixes indicating rare varieties. The note shows the characteristic design elements that distinguish the P-26b from other variants in the series.