1 pound 1964
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia's first pound note issued on 9 November 1964, featuring Queen Elizabeth II in profile on the obverse and a scenic natural landmark on the reverse. The note exhibits pristine uncirculated condition with no signs of circulation, crisp paper stock, and brilliantly rendered security printing throughout, making it a desirable specimen for collectors of Rhodesian currency and Commonwealth banknotes.
Common. The 1964 pound note of Rhodesia had a substantial print run typical of a nation's primary currency denomination during normal circulation years. No evidence of short print runs, early recall, or significant scarcity exists for Pick 25 in any condition grade. Examples in uncirculated condition are readily available to collectors at modest prices, typically ranging from $15-40 USD, confirming common status.
Issued at a pivotal moment in Rhodesian history, this 1964 note represents the early years of the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia's operations following the bank's establishment. The inclusion of Queen Elizabeth II reflects Rhodesia's Commonwealth status in 1964, prior to the 1965 Unilateral Declaration of Independence. The depicted natural landmark on the reverse represents Rhodesian national identity and geographical pride during this pre-independence period.
The obverse features a dignified right-profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing formal regalia with decorative brooch or medal, positioned on the right side of the note. The center showcases the heraldic coat of arms of Rhodesia within an ornate circular emblem, surrounded by intricate guilloche patterns and floral designs in the borders. The reverse displays a dramatic natural landscape featuring a prominent rocky formation or geological monument characteristic of Rhodesian scenery, framed by vegetation and surrounded by decorative border ornaments containing denomination markings in all four corners. The color scheme throughout is predominantly pink and red with cream and white accents, creating a sophisticated Victorian aesthetic typical of Commonwealth currency design from this era.
Front side: 'RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (issuing authority), '£1' (denomination in upper left and lower right), 'I promise on behalf on [the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia] to pay the demand [of] ONE POUND,' 'Governor' (signature line), 'SALISBURY, 9TH NOVEMBER, 1964' (issue date and location), 'G 697618' (serial number appearing twice). Back side: 'RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (issuing authority), 'ONE POUND' (denomination text), '£1' (denomination symbols in all four corners).
Intaglio (copperplate) engraving, evidenced by the fine line guilloche patterns, intricate portrait rendering with subtle tonal gradations, detailed landscape engraving on the reverse, and the precise geometric border decorations. The security printing displays the characteristic crisp, raised impression associated with intaglio printing. The note was produced by Thomas De La Rue & Company, the primary security printer for Reserve Bank of Rhodesia notes during this period, though local printing facilities may have been involved.
Serial number prefix 'G' indicates this example from the standard series issued in 1964. The signature variety would correspond to the Governor serving at the note's issue date (November 1964). No major varieties such as color variations, watermark changes, or design modifications are documented for this Pick number. This represents the standard 1964 emission prior to subsequent modifications and reprints that occurred during Rhodesia's political transitions in the mid-to-late 1960s.
