1 pound 1963

Common. The eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $22-$35 range for F-VF condition notes (2013-2024), with catalog values of $115 for VF (2019). These price points and the regular appearance of this note at auction indicate it was produced in substantial quantities and remains readily available to collectors. There is no evidence of restricted print runs, recall, or scarcity.

This note was issued under the Currency Notes Ordinance of 1949 during Malta's period under British Commonwealth governance, with Elizabeth II's portrait reflecting Malta's status as a British territory at the time. The reverse depicts Malta's strategically important harbor with its fortifications and dense urban settlement, illustrating the island's significance as a Mediterranean naval and commercial center during the early post-WWII era.

The obverse features a right-facing profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II positioned on the right side of the note, rendered in the formal style typical of Commonwealth currency of this period. The centerpiece is an ornate decorative cross with elaborate floral-style radiating patterns forming a medallion, symbolizing Malta's Christian heritage and the historical significance of the George Cross (awarded to Malta as a nation during WWII). The reverse showcases a detailed aerial engraving of Valletta and Malta's Grand Harbor, depicting fortification walls, harbor installations, dense urban architecture including church domes, and waterfront facilities—documenting Malta's strategic Mediterranean position and maritime infrastructure. The entire design is executed in reddish-brown and mauve tones with extensive fine-line engraving work creating tonal depth.

FRONT: 'GOVERNMENT OF MALTA' (header); 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE POUND ON MALTA AND ITS DEPENDENCIES AND IS ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CURRENCY NOTES ORDINANCE, 1949' (legal declaration); 'FOR THE CURRENCY BOARD' (issuing authority); Serial number 'A 101008' (appears twice); denomination '£1' (appears twice); signature mark 'Ram'. BACK: 'GOVERNMENT OF MALTA' (header); 'ONE POUND' (denomination); '£1' (denomination symbol, appears twice); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD HER MAJDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer's identification).

Intaglio engraving (also known as steel engraving), produced by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, Surrey—one of the world's leading security printers. The fine cross-hatching, detailed line work, decorative borders, and the intricate landscape rendering on the reverse are all hallmarks of high-quality intaglio production, which was the standard for currency security printing of this era.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-26a (variant with BWC printer mark). The serial number A 101008 places it within the early issuance range. PMG has identified P-26a and P-26cts as the two documented varieties for this base Pick number, both printed by BWC. The observed 'Ram' signature (likely a Currency Board official) is consistent with the period of issue.