20 pounds 1981 specimen

Common. While specimen notes are inherently less common in circulation than regular issues, this particular note appears frequently in the secondary market. eBay pricing data shows consistent availability across multiple UNC specimens ranging from $65 to $499.99, with catalogue values at $350 UNC (2019), indicating steady supply. The Provincial Bank of Ireland's £20 notes from 1981 were produced in significant quantities, and specimen copies remain regularly available to collectors. No evidence of limited print runs or recall status suggests this is a standard specimen issue rather than a scarce variant.

The Provincial Bank of Ireland Limited, established in London in 1825 and operating as a member bank of Allied Irish Banks Ltd, issued this note during the early 1980s when Northern Ireland maintained distinct banking institutions. The Chimney at Lacada Point, featured on the reverse, represents Northern Irish industrial and coastal heritage, while the woman's portrait on the obverse reflects the bank's commitment to dignified, culturally representative imagery. This specimen, dated 15 March 1981, documents the formal presentation design of the note at the time of its official introduction.

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of an elderly woman with styled hair and formal attire, positioned prominently on the right side of the note. The woman's dignified presentation reflects the bank's institutional values. The reverse showcases a detailed engraving of the Chimney at Lacada Point, a distinctive coastal architectural landmark in Northern Ireland, rendered in fine detail at the center. The design incorporates multiple heraldic shields arranged horizontally at the bottom of the obverse, representing Irish provincial and institutional symbols. Large ornamental denominations ('20' and '£20') appear in decorative oval frames on both sides. Celtic-inspired knotwork and geometric patterns create ornamental borders throughout. A circular emblem with triangular design appears on both sides, likely representing the bank's seal or corporate identity. The color palette of pink, purple, cream, brown, green, and red creates visual distinction and security.

FRONT SIDE: 'Provincial Bank of Ireland Limited' (issuing bank name); '(A MEMBER BANK OF ALLIED IRISH BANKS LTD.) Established in London 1825' (corporate affiliation and founding date); 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER' (legal tender clause); 'Twenty Pounds' (denomination in words); 'SPECIMEN' (specimen designation); '15 MARCH 1981' (date of issue); 'FOR PROVINCIAL BANK OF IRELAND LIMITED' (authorization); 'MANAGER' (signatory title); Serial numbers 'SN000000' (specimen marking). BACK SIDE: 'Twenty Pounds' (denomination); 'SPECIMEN' (specimen designation); 'CHIMNEY AT LACADA POINT' (landmark identification); 'POUND 2014' (cataloging or reference notation).

Multi-color intaglio (engraved) printing by Thomas de la Rue, London. The fine line engraving is evident throughout the note, particularly in the portrait, the landscape rendering of Lacada Point, and the ornamental patterns. Multiple color printing layers create the complex color combinations observed (pink, purple, cream, brown, green, and red). The security features incorporated include intricate geometric and decorative patterns, fine detail work in the engraving, and multi-layer color printing typical of high-security banknote production.

This is identified as a specimen note (Pick P-250s) of the 1981 Provincial Bank of Ireland Limited £20 denomination, dated 15 March 1981. The specimen designation is confirmed by the 'SPECIMEN' overprint and the all-zeros serial number (SN000000), which is standard for specimen currency. This particular specimen represents the official reference example of the design as released by the bank. No variant signatures or alternative date markings are evident; this appears to be the standard specimen variety for this Pick number. Collectors should note the distinction between regular circulation issues (P-250) and this specimen version (P-250s).