1 pound 1982

Common. While this note represents the inaugural year of Allied Irish Banks Limited's note issue in Northern Ireland, eBay market data from 2015-2020 shows consistent sales of UNC examples in the $24-76 range, with 2019 catalog values at $45 for UNC condition. The relatively low trading prices ($25-30 range in more recent sales) and steady availability indicate this is not a scarce issue. Print runs were substantial, and these notes remain readily obtainable in the collector market. There is no evidence of small print runs, recalls, or scarcity conditions that would elevate this beyond common status.

This note was issued during a formative period for Northern Ireland's banking institutions, with Allied Irish Banks Limited establishing its own note-issuing authority in 1982. The selection of the Girona as the reverse design references a significant historical Spanish vessel, reflecting Northern Ireland's maritime heritage and cultural connections. The 1982 date marks the beginning of AIB's regular issue series for Northern Irish currency, a short-lived but important chapter in the region's monetary history.

The obverse features a portrait of a young woman positioned on the right side, rendered in green tones within a carefully composed security background of intricate geometric line patterns. The Allied Irish Banks Limited circular logo (featuring three triangular shapes) appears in the top left, with a harp symbol and Celtic spiral design element completing the symbolic composition. Six heraldic crests and coats of arms are arranged in a row at the bottom center, representing Irish provincial or family heraldry. The reverse showcases the Girona, a large multi-masted sailing ship with full detail engraving, positioned centrally within an ornate decorative frame. An elaborate numeral '1' in decorative frames occupies the left side, while Celtic knotwork patterns and geometric borders frame the entire composition. Additional Celtic spiral motifs and a harp symbol in the bottom right reinforce the Irish cultural theme throughout both sides.

Front side: 'ALLIED IRISH BANKS LIMITED' (issuing bank name); 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER' (standard promissory clause); 'One Pound' (denomination); 'AT BELFAST' (redemption location); '1st JANUARY 1982' (issue date); 'FOR ALLIED IRISH BANKS LIMITED' and 'GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE' (authorization text); Serial number 'PN2028319'. Back side: 'POUND' and 'One Pound' (denomination indicators); 'THE GIRONA' (ship identification); Large numeral '1' (denomination symbol). All inscriptions are in English, standard for Northern Ireland currency of this period.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by Thomas de la Rue, London, as indicated by the printer credit and catalog data. The visual analysis confirms the use of fine line engraving throughout, evident in the intricate geometric security patterns serving as background texture, the detailed portrait rendering, and the elaborate ship engraving on the reverse. Multi-color printing was employed to achieve the dominant green, beige, pink, coral, and light blue tones on the obverse and the green, blue, tan, and black palette on the reverse. The crisp definition of all fine details in this uncirculated example demonstrates the precision of Thomas de la Rue's production standards for this series.

This note is identified as Pick 1a, the standard first issue of the 1 pound denomination from Allied Irish Banks Limited (1982-1984). The observed serial number 'PN2028319' indicates the 'PN' prefix series; varieties of this note are primarily distinguished by serial number ranges rather than design variations. The front and back designs remained consistent throughout the series. No overprints, signature variants, or other notable varieties are evident in this specimen. This represents the regular issue variety with no special commemorative or limited edition characteristics.