100 shillings 1978

Common. The secondary market data shows consistent circulation of UNC examples at modest prices ranging from $3.99 to $20, with an average around $6-10 for uncirculated examples over the past decade. Print runs for Kenyan 100 shilling notes from 1978 were substantial, and the note was not recalled or withdrawn. The denomination and year are standard regular issues, not limited editions. Common market availability and relatively low valuations confirm this is a readily obtainable note for collectors.

Issued on July 1, 1978, this banknote was produced during the early years of Kenya's Central Bank and celebrates the legacy of Jomo Kenyatta, who led Kenya to independence and served as its first president until his death in 1978. The imagery on the reverse—the Kenyatta statue and the distinctive cylindrical Kenyatta International Convention Centre—commemorates Kenya's modernization and nation-building efforts during the post-independence era. This note represents the transitional period in Kenyan currency design following independence.

The obverse features a left-aligned portrait of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's revered first president, depicted as a distinguished bearded gentleman in formal attire rendered in purple and mauve tones. The central design element is an ornate radiating sunburst emblem in green, pink, and gold, representing national pride and sovereignty. Denomination numerals '100' appear in all four corners. The reverse depicts the iconic seated Kenyatta statue on the left, rendered in traditional pose and dress, with the Kenyatta International Convention Centre—a striking cylindrical modern tower—as the dominant architectural feature. Mountains visible in the background suggest Kenya's natural landscape. A diamond-shaped monument or architectural element appears in the lower right. The color palette transitions from purple and mauve to grey and blue tones, creating visual depth.

FRONT: 'BANKI KUU YA KENYA' (Swahili: Central Bank of Kenya), 'CENTRAL BANK OF KENYA' (English), 'LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE HUNDRED SHILLINGS' (English), 'SHILINGI MOJA JA MIA' (Swahili: One Hundred Shillings), 'MZEE JOMO KENYATTA' (The respected elder Jomo Kenyatta), 'THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF KENYA' (English), '1ST JULY, 1978' (Issue date), 'FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' (English), 'GOVERNOR' and 'MEMBER' (Signature line designations). BACK: 'ONE HUNDRED SHILLINGS' (English), with denomination numerals '100' displayed prominently. Serial number 'B74749610' and series '94' are present.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine line engraving visible throughout both sides, particularly in the portrait details, the intricate radiating lines of the central emblem, and the complex geometric border patterns. The parallel line techniques used for background texturing and security purposes are characteristic of high-security banknote production. This note was produced by a security printer specializing in intaglio techniques, consistent with Central Bank of Kenya standards of the 1978 period.

This note represents the standard P-18 variety with English denomination in small print. Per catalog references, variant P-14 exists with both Swahili and English denominations in large print. The observed serial number B74749610 with series 94 is consistent with standard printing from this issue. No overprints, special markings, or unusual signatures are evident on this example. The July 1, 1978 date is the standard issue date for this Pick number.