1 pound 1949

Common. While catalog values suggest UNC specimens may reach $150, eBay market data shows consistent pricing in the $20-60 range for VF examples, with lower grades selling for under $10. The 1949 Malta pound had a substantial print run as a regular circulating issue, and multiple specimens survive in various grades. The existence of variant varieties (P-24a and P-24b) further indicates this was not a limited issue.

This note was issued under the Currency Notes Ordinance of 1949, reflecting Malta's status as a British Crown Colony during the post-World War II period. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the George Cross (the Maltese cross symbol) prominently featured on the obverse commemorate Malta's wartime heroism and its continued ties to the British Commonwealth during the early years of Elizabeth II's reign. The heraldic shield on the reverse represents Maltese national symbolism within the framework of British colonial administration.

The obverse features a formal right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing a tiara and ceremonial dress, positioned in the right portion of the note. To the left is the George Cross (Maltese Cross) within a circular seal, a symbol of Malta's military distinction during World War II. Ornamental pound sterling (£) symbols with decorative flourishes occupy all four corners. The reverse displays a centered heraldic shield of Malta surrounded by elaborate baroque-style ornamental designs including acanthus leaves and shell motifs. Both sides are framed with fine guilloche border patterns characteristic of high-security banknote engraving. A large oval white space occupies the center of the obverse.

Front side: 'GOVERNMENT OF MALTA' / 'ONE POUND' / 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR' / 'IN MALTA AND ITS DEPENDENCIES AND IS ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CURRENCY NOTES ORDINANCE 1949' / 'FOR THE CURRENCY BOARD' / Serial number: A 23 222322. Back side: 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED'

Intaglio engraving (steel plate gravure), the premium security printing method employed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, London. The fine line engraving patterns, intricate guilloche borders, baroque ornamental designs, and sharp portrait rendering are all hallmarks of intaglio technology. The printer's name appears on the reverse, indicating TDLR as the producing security printer.

This example is catalogued as Pick-24a, one of two known varieties for the 1949 Malta one pound note (the other being P-24b, also printed by TDLR). Both variants share the same basic design featuring Elizabeth II and the George Cross but may differ in minor printing details, security features, or serial number characteristics. The serial number prefix 'A' and specific numbering pattern observed on this specimen should be cross-referenced against PMG population reports for more precise variety attribution.