50 new pence 1979
Market Prices
47 salesAbout This Note
This is an uncirculated 1979 Isle of Man 50 New Pence note from the Isle of Man Government, printed by Bradbury Wilkinson. The note features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a detailed Viking ship scene on the reverse, both rendered in fine line engraving with blue and multicolored accents. In pristine UNC condition with no visible wear or circulation marks, this example represents a well-preserved mid-20th century Commonwealth banknote with strong historical and cultural significance to Isle of Man numismatics.
Common. While the eBay sales data shows UNC examples trading primarily in the $12–$21 range with occasional sales reaching $23–$24, the consistent availability of multiple UNC sales annually over the documented period (2009–2025) and the relatively modest pricing for high grades indicates this is a standard circulation-era issue with no scarcity premium. The Isle of Man Government's regular issue banknotes were produced in quantities adequate for the island's monetary needs, and no evidence of short print runs, recalls, or exceptional rarity exists for this Pick-33 designation.
This 1979 issue reflects the Isle of Man's monetary autonomy and cultural identity during the post-decimal period in Britain. The reverse depicts a Viking longship, referencing the Norse heritage integral to Isle of Man's historical identity and its settlement by Viking raiders and traders in the medieval period. The note's imagery emphasizes both the island's distinct governance (Isle of Man Government, not Bank of England) and its unique historical lineage in British currency.
The obverse features a formal left-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned at right, rendered in classical engraved style characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson's security printing work. The note's central focus is the Triskele arms of the Isle of Man—a three-legged heraldic symbol distinctive to the island's coat of arms—executed in intricate pink and white detail with ornate circular framing. Decorative guilloche patterns and floral medallion designs occupy the left and right margins, with color scheme emphasizing blue, pink/red, and white on a light background. The reverse depicts a historical Viking longship with a large square sail rendered in detailed engraving, set against a seascape with mountainous backdrop, framed by Celtic-style geometric borders and corner shields bearing the 50P denomination.
OBVERSE: 'ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT' (top center); '50P' (denomination); 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND AT ANY OFFICE OF ISLE OF MAN BANK LIMITED' (obligation clause); 'Fifty New Pence' (denomination in words); Serial number 'C 208599'; 'TREASURER OF THE ISLE OF MAN' (signature authority). REVERSE: 'FIFTY NEW PENCE' (denomination in words); '50P' (denomination); 'JOHN H NICHOLSON R.I. PINX' (artist attribution - John H Nicholson, Royal Institute, as painter/engraver); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer identification).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving), executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd, New Malden, Surrey, a noted British security printer specializing in high-security banknote and currency production. The visual analysis confirms fine line engraving throughout with detailed guilloche patterns, complex scenic engraving with careful shading on the Viking ship, and the multi-color printing typical of banknote production involving multiple engraved plates.
This note is catalogued as Pick-33 with two known variants per PMG: P-33a and P-33s (both printed by BWC). The visual analysis shows this example bears the signature title 'TREASURER OF THE ISLE OF MAN' and serial number prefix 'C 208599', consistent with the standard circulation variety. The printer mark 'BWC' (Bradbury Wilkinson & Co) is confirmed on the reverse. Without additional variants observed in the images (such as signature changes, overprints, or date variations), this appears to be the primary variety P-33a.
