5 pounds 1976

Common. The 1976-1988 series of Jersey £5 notes had a substantial print run as the standard circulation note for this denomination during an eight-year period. Pick 12a represents a standard issue without known short-run variants or recall issues. While PMG 66 EPQ represents exceptional condition (Gem Uncirculated), the note itself is not scarce—only high-grade examples are limited in availability, which is typical for most banknote series.

Issued by the States of Jersey between 1976-1988, this £5 note represents Jersey's monetary autonomy as a Crown Dependency during a period of economic development. The reverse depicts Elizabeth Castle, a historic fortification overlooking St. Helier harbor, referencing Jersey's strategic coastal heritage and maritime traditions. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse affirms Jersey's constitutional relationship with the British Crown while maintaining its separate currency and financial independence.

The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing jewelry (earrings and necklace), positioned on the right side of the note against a cream and beige background with brown and purple tones. The Jersey coat of arms shield with three lions is prominently displayed in the upper center. Circular £5 denomination markers appear in both bottom corners with ornamental scrollwork and geometric borders throughout. The reverse presents a detailed historical engraving by or after George Woolfe depicting Elizabeth Castle situated on a hilltop overlooking a coastal scene with maritime activity, including a sailing vessel with multiple masts in the foreground and beach figures. A large circular medallion area occupies the right side of the reverse, featuring concentric circle patterns. The color palette shifts to black, brown, sepia, and cream tones on the reverse with an ornamental border pattern at the base.

Front Side: 'The STATES of JERSEY' (issuing authority); 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND' (promise clause); 'Five pounds' (denomination in words); 'TREASURER OF THE STATES' (authorized official); 'JERSEY C.I' (Jersey, Channel Islands); '£5' (denomination in symbols); 'DB000059' (serial number). Back Side: 'STATES of JERSEY' (issuing authority); 'Five pounds' (denomination in words); 'ELIZABETH CASTLE AFTER GEORGE WOOLFE' (landmark attribution to artist); '£5' (denomination in symbols).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, ornamental scrollwork, and sharp detail reproduction visible throughout both sides. The printer is identified as TDLR (Thomas De La Rue), a leading British security printer. The detailed landscape engraving on the reverse and the precision of the decorative borders are characteristic of traditional intaglio security printing methods employed for banknotes during this period.

This example is identified as Pick 12a, ND (No Date) 1976-88, with signature variant #2 as noted on the PMG label. The serial number prefix 'DB' and the specific signature variety would denote this as a specific printing variety within the 1976-1988 issue period. No overprints or unusual characteristics are evident. The Jersey Cow watermark is standard for this Pick number and series.