1 pound 1976

Common. While this is a classic banknote from an important Channel Islands issuer and features historically significant artwork, the note was issued in substantial quantities over a 12-year period (1976-1988) and remains readily available in the collector market. eBay transaction data confirms consistent supply with regular sales across multiple condition grades, with even premium-graded examples (PMG 66) typically selling in the $30-50 range historically. The PMG 64 EPQ grade represents a nice, high-quality example but not an exceptional rarity. Supply has consistently outpaced collector demand, keeping this note affordable and accessible.

This banknote commemorates Jersey's autonomous status within the British Crown Dependencies, as evidenced by the 'States of Jersey' issuing authority and 'JERSEY, C.I.' designation on the obverse. The reverse's prominent depiction of the Battle of Jersey and the death of Major Francis Peirson reflects the island's proud military heritage and local identity during the American Revolutionary War period. The use of John Singleton Copley's celebrated neoclassical painting elevates this note beyond mere currency, positioning it as a cultural artifact celebrating Jersey's historical significance and distinct identity from mainland Britain.

The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II rendered in formal profile facing rightward, positioned at center-right of the note, wearing a tiara and formal jewelry, consistent with Commonwealth currency conventions of the 1976 era. Flanking the portrait are ornamental thistle or similar botanical motifs in the left and right margins rendered in orange-brown and pink tones. The upper center displays the Jersey coat of arms or heraldic shield. Circular denomination medallions marked '£1' appear in both lower corners. The color palette combines blue-gray as the dominant hue with pink accents and white space, creating a sophisticated, traditional appearance. The reverse displays a large-scale historical engraving depicting the Battle of Jersey, specifically the death of Major Francis Peirson during the 1781 engagement. Multiple figures in period military uniforms are shown in active combat or commemorative poses, with military flags and standards prominently displayed. Fortified architecture and town structures visible in the upper left background establish the geographic context. A large circular blank area on the right side of the reverse appears designed for security features or additional design elements. The engraving employs sepia and gray tones, creating visual separation from the obverse while maintaining the note's overall aesthetic coherence.

FRONT SIDE: 'The STATES of JERSEY' (issuing authority); 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER' (standard currency promise); 'One pound' (denomination in words); 'ON DEMAND' (redemption clause); 'JERSEY, C.I.' (geographic identifier, C.I. = Channel Islands); 'TREASURER OF THE STATES' (authorized official); Serial number 'AB000227' (appears twice). BACK SIDE: 'STATES of JERSEY' (issuing authority); 'One pound' (denomination); 'BATTLE OF JERSEY' (historical event); 'THE DEATH OF MAJOR PEIRSON' (specific subject); 'AFTER JOHN SINGLETON COPLEY' (artist attribution); 'DE LA RUE' (printer/engraver mark).

The note exhibits classic intaglio engraving and offset lithography techniques, characteristic of De la Rue's premium banknote production. The fine line work visible throughout both sides, particularly in the portrait rendering, the intricate ornamental borders, and the detailed historical battle scene engraving, demonstrates high-quality copperplate engraving. The multicolored underprint visible on the obverse (blues, pinks, orange-browns) is achieved through offset lithography, while the primary portrait and design elements employ intaglio for depth and security. De la Rue's printer mark visible on the reverse confirms their production. Security features include a Jersey cow's head watermark embedded in the paper stock, along with fine-line security patterns integrated into the decorative borders.

This example represents the P-11a variety as cataloged in Pick's standard reference, printed by De la Rue (TDLR printer mark visible). The PMG population report indicates four cataloged variants exist for this base Pick number (P-11CS1, P-11a, P-11b, P-11s), suggesting minor printing or issuing variations occurred during the 12-year circulation period. The serial number prefix 'AB' followed by '000227' appears consistent with early-series numbering from the 1976 issue date. No overprints, signatures, or date variations are visible on this specimen, confirming standard first-issue characteristics.