1 pound 1976

Common. While this is a note from a small island jurisdiction with limited circulation, the eBay price history shows consistent sales in the $3-$15 range for uncirculated examples over nearly 15 years, with average UNC prices around $8-$13. The 2019 catalogue value of $17.50 for UNC confirms this is an accessible note for most collectors. There is no evidence of restricted print runs, recall, or special limited issue status. The availability of multiple graded examples (PMG population includes 4 variants) further confirms this is a standard issue note.

Issued in 1976 by the States of Jersey Treasury, this note commemorates the pivotal 1781 Battle of Jersey through John Singleton Copley's famous historical painting, which depicts the death of Major Peirson during the French invasion attempt. The battle scene engraved on the reverse served as a powerful symbol of Jersey's defended sovereignty and colonial heritage during a period when the Channel Islands were reasserting their distinct monetary identity separate from the Bank of England.

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing left, wearing formal regalia including earrings and necklace, positioned at the right side of the note. The reverse depicts the climactic moment of the 1781 Battle of Jersey through an intricate historical engraving based on John Singleton Copley's painting 'The Death of Major Peirson,' showing multiple uniformed soldiers in combat with fortified buildings visible in the background. Both sides incorporate the Jersey coat of arms (shield with three lions) and denomination badges, with decorative thistle flowers as corner elements. The overall design employs a light pink/mauve base with blue-grey accents and white space, creating strong visual contrast for security and aesthetic purposes.

Front side: 'The STATES of JERSEY' (issuing authority), 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND ONE POUND' (promise clause), 'JERSEY.C.I.' (jurisdiction: Channel Islands), 'TREASURER OF THE STATES' (authorized official), serial number 'AB 000219' (appears twice). Back side: 'STATES of JERSEY' and 'One pound' (denomination), 'THE BATTLE OF JERSEY - THE DEATH OF MAJOR PEIRSON AFTER JOHN SINGLETON COPLEY' (historical attribution and artwork credit), 'DE LA RUE' (printer identification).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving and relief printing), executed by De la Rue of London, the Bank of England's official printer. The note demonstrates fine line patterns, micro-engraving throughout, and intricate geometric border designs characteristic of De la Rue's high-security banknote production. The watermark is a Jersey cow's head, typical of Channel Islands currency security features from this era.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-11a, with the printer designation TDLR (De la Rue, London). The PMG population report identifies four variants for the base Pick number: P-11CS1, P-11a, P-11b, and P-11s. The serial number AB 000219 is a low serial number from the early AB prefix series. No distinguishing signatures, date variations, or overprints are evident in this example; the variety classification appears to be based on printer's marks or subtle design states rather than major design changes.