1 pound 1939

Common. Despite its age and historical significance, this note remains relatively common in the collector market. eBay sales data shows typical selling prices of $15-$58 depending on condition, with VF examples catalogued at $45 (2016 values). The Government of Malta issued these notes in sufficient quantities for circulation, and survivors exist in adequate numbers to satisfy collector demand. No evidence of restricted print runs or early recall.

Issued during the opening weeks of World War II (September 13, 1939), this banknote represents Malta's currency under British sovereignty, with King George VI's portrait affirming the colony's constitutional status. The formal, ornate design reflects pre-war aesthetic standards and governmental confidence, while the denomination and legal tender declaration underscore Malta's role as a Mediterranean British possession during a pivotal moment in history.

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of King George VI positioned on the right side of the note, rendered in fine line engraving. The left side displays a large ornamental £1 symbol within an oval decorative frame. The center contains 'ONE POUND' within a rectangular cartouche. An ornate geometric and floral border frames the entire design with lattice patterns and scrollwork flourishes typical of 1930s-1940s banknote design. The reverse side is uniface (blank). The color scheme combines purple/mauve with sepia/brown tones on a cream background.

Front side: 'THE GOVERNMENT OF MALTA' (top banner); 'HEREBY DECLARES THIS NOTE' (center text); 'ONE POUND' (denomination cartouche); 'TO BE LEGAL TENDER FOR PAYMENTS OF ANY AMOUNT' (legal declaration); Serial number 'A9742293' (appears twice, top and bottom); Signature line present at bottom (content illegible in image). Back side: Primarily blank with no discernible printed inscriptions or text visible.

Fine line engraving with intaglio printing, characteristic of high-security banknote production. The printer is identified as BWC (Bradbury, Wilkinson & Company) without imprint mark on the note itself. The complex geometric patterns, fine line work, and ornamental elements served both aesthetic and security purposes.

Pick P-14 base variety. PMG has catalogued P-14pe as a known variant (likely representing a prefix or emission difference). The observed serial number 'A9742293' represents the standard numbering system. Specific variety attribution would require comparison of signature styles and serial number prefixes; the illegible signature in the image prevents definitive variety identification, but the standard 'written style under signature' format matches the catalog description for the regular P-14 issue.