5 pounds 1968
Market Prices
23 salesAbout This Note
This is a Malta 5 Pounds banknote from 1968 (Law of 1967) in Very Fine condition, featuring a striking purple and multicolored design with Queen Elizabeth II in profile on the obverse and an detailed engraved view of the Grand Harbour, Valletta on the reverse. The note displays excellent preservation with no visible wear, creases, or damage, and exhibits the fine line engraving characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson security printing. This iconic early Central Bank of Malta issue represents an important piece of Malta's numismatic history during the post-independence period.
Common. Market data from eBay sales indicates consistent availability of this note in various grades, with VF examples selling regularly between $50-$100 in recent years (most recent VF sale at $91 in January 2023). The note was part of a substantial regular issue from 1968, and population reports show multiple variant printings (P-30 and P-30cts). The strong circulation and ongoing collector demand reflected in numerous historical sales confirm this is a standard, readily available issue for Malta collectors.
Issued under the Central Bank of Malta Act of 1967, this note commemorates Malta's transition to monetary independence following the establishment of the Central Bank. The Grand Harbour depicted on the reverse is one of Malta's most historically significant landmarks, representing the island's strategic maritime heritage and importance as a Mediterranean naval center. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II reflects Malta's continued ties to the Commonwealth during this transitional period in the nation's political and economic development.
The obverse features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in right profile, rendered in classical engraving style, positioned on the right side of the note. The central design element is an ornate decorative cross with geometric and floral patterns, incorporating a circular seal or medallion at its center, reflecting Malta's Christian heritage and the significance of the George Cross awarded to Malta during World War II. The reverse displays a detailed engraved landscape of the Grand Harbour at Valletta, featuring fortified structures, defensive walls, harbor architecture, and the characteristic urban and maritime features of Malta's historic capital. The color scheme of purple, gray, and cream on the obverse contrasts with the monochromatic black, gray, and white engraving on the reverse, typical of period banknote design.
FRONT: 'Central Bank of Malta' (header); 'This note is legal tender for Five Pounds in Malta and its dependencies and is issued under the authority of the Central Bank of Malta Act, 1967' (main legal text); Serial number 'A/3 285315' (appears twice); '£5' (denomination); 'Governor' and signature 'H.Hogg' (authority signature). BACK: 'Central Bank of Malta' (header); 'Five Pounds' and '£5' (denomination); 'Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co Ltd New Malden S. Surrey, England' (printer's imprint).
Intaglio (engraved) printing executed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd, a renowned British security printer. The note demonstrates exceptional fine line engraving throughout both sides, with precise line work visible in the portrait, decorative cross, and the detailed landscape scene. The security features include fine line patterns in the background and careful registration of the two-color design on the obverse.
This example carries the serial number prefix 'A/3' and is signed by Governor H. Hogg. The PMG population report identifies two catalogued variants for P-30: the standard P-30 and P-30cts (likely representing different printing batches or control marks). The note is from the Bradbury Wilkinson printing (BWC). The specific serial number A/3 285315 suggests this is from an early printing batch of the initial 1968 release.
