5 pounds 1982

Common. The 1982-1984 date range indicates a regular issue with standard print runs typical of private bank notes in Northern Ireland during this period. The catalog value of $95 UNC and eBay market data showing PMG 65 examples selling for approximately $54 confirm this is an accessible note with consistent collector demand but no scarcity premium. No evidence of limited mintage, recall, or short-lived status exists for this Pick number.

The 1982 Allied Irish Banks 5 Pounds note was issued during a period when private banks in Northern Ireland retained the right to issue their own currency, a unique feature of the UK's banking system. The deliberate choice of Dunluce Castle as the reverse design celebrates Northern Irish cultural and architectural heritage, specifically highlighting one of County Antrim's most recognizable medieval fortifications. The note's inscription date of 1st January 1982 places it at the beginning of the bank's note-issuing tenure, making it part of an important transitional era in Northern Irish monetary history.

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of a young woman with long dark hair positioned on the right side, rendered in fine engraving typical of currency portraiture. The note is dominated by Celtic-inspired decorative elements including knotwork patterns in the corners and geometric designs throughout. A heraldic achievement featuring multiple regional shields appears at the bottom of the obverse, representing the constituent regions of Ireland. The reverse showcases a detailed landscape engraving of Dunluce Castle, a 13th-century medieval fortification located on the north Antrim coast, depicted dramatically on clifftop overlooking the sea. A large ornamental numeral '5' with Celtic knotwork embellishment anchors the left side of the reverse, while the denomination 'Five Pounds' appears prominently on the right. Both sides employ repeating geometric Celtic patterns as background security devices.

FRONT: 'ALLIED IRISH BANKS LIMITED' (issuing authority); 'PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER' (standard currency promise); 'Five Pounds' (denomination); 'AT BELFAST' (issuing location); '1st JANUARY 1982' (authorization date); 'FOR ALLIED IRISH BANKS LIMITED' (issuing authorization); 'P.O'Keeffe' (authorized signature, Group Chief Executive); Serial number 'QN3000301' (appears top left and bottom right). BACK: 'Five Pounds' (denomination); 'DUNLUCE CASTLE' (landmark identification).

This note was produced by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited in London using advanced intaglio (engraved) printing techniques combined with offset color printing for the multicolored background and security patterns. The intricate line work, guilloche patterns, and microprint visible throughout the note are hallmarks of de la Rue's security printing expertise. The combination of detailed engraving for portrait and landmark elements with sophisticated background pattern work demonstrates professional currency-grade production standards.

This specific example shows serial number QN3000301, which falls within the early production range of the 1982 issue. The signature of P. O'Keeffe as Group Chief Executive is consistent with the initial 1982 authorization. The 'QN' prefix on the serial number is typical for this issue series. Allied Irish Banks' P-2a variety is distinguished from the later P-6 issue (issued by Allied Irish Banks P.L.C.) and should not be confused with Provincial Bank of Ireland Limited notes (P-248), which feature different design and issuing authority.