5 pounds 1976

Common. This is a regular issue from Ulster Bank Limited's 1971-1988 series, with substantial print runs typical of regional British banknotes during this period. The eBay market data provided shows UNC examples selling in the $73-130 range, indicating steady but not exceptional demand. Regular circulation of this denomination and issuer, combined with the absence of any evidence of short print runs or recall status, confirms this as a standard collectible note rather than a rarity.

This 1976 note was issued during the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a period when regional bank note issuance remained an important symbol of institutional continuity and local identity. The prominent depiction of Belfast's port and industrial infrastructure reflects the city's historical importance as a major shipbuilding and manufacturing center, while the heraldic coat of arms with its Latin motto 'Nihil Impossibile Erit Vobis' (Nothing shall be impossible unto you) reinforces Ulster Bank's role as a pillar of regional commerce and stability during a turbulent era.

The obverse features a classical British banknote design centered on the promise to pay clause with the denomination clearly marked. Two circular ornamental rosette designs in pink and purple frame the composition on left and right. At the lower center, a detailed landscape vignette depicts Belfast's port with prominent bridge infrastructure and industrial facilities including cranes and ships, representing the city's maritime heritage. The left and right margins feature delicate floral border elements in brown and pink. The reverse displays an elaborate heraldic coat of arms as the focal point, with two mythical dragon or lion supporters flanking a shield bearing a cross motif. Celtic knot patterns form decorative borders along the top and bottom, with botanical wreaths and floral elements flanking the arms. The overall color palette of brown, pink, purple, gray, and white creates a sophisticated, traditional appearance appropriate to mid-1970s British regional currency.

FRONT: 'ULSTER BANK LIMITED' (issuer name); 'ULSTER BANK LIMITED PROMISE TO PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND AT HEAD OFFICE BELFAST' (promise to pay clause); 'FIVE POUNDS' (denomination); '1ST MARCH, 1976' (issue date); 'FOR ULSTER BANK LIMITED CHIEF EXECUTIVE' (signature authority); Serial number B1951002 (left and right). BACK: 'ULSTER BANK LIMITED' (issuer name); '£5' (denomination, left and right sides); 'NIHIL IMPOSSIBILE ERIT VOBIS' (Latin motto translating to 'Nothing shall be impossible unto you'); 'BRADBURY, WILKINSON & CO LTD NEW MALDEN, SURREY, ENGLAND' (printer attribution).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving and printing by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co Ltd, New Malden, Surrey—a renowned British security printer known for high-quality banknote production. The intricate geometric background patterns, fine line work in the rosette designs, complex Celtic knot repetition, and detailed coat of arms figures all reflect the sophisticated multi-plate intaglio process characteristic of Bradbury Wilkinson's work. The sharp, crisp detail visible throughout the uncirculated specimen demonstrates the precision of this engraved security printing method.

This note represents the 1st March 1976 date variety from the 1973-1988 issue series (Pick 326b). The serial number B1951002 indicates this is from the B prefix series. No major varieties are documented for this specific date within the 1973-1988 issue, though variations in signature authorities (Chief Executive positions) would create minor collecting subdivisions across the series' span.