1 pound 1967

Common. The 1967 One Pound note (Pick 28b) from the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia was produced in substantial quantities for circulation and remains readily available in numismatic markets. While uncirculated examples command modest premiums over circulated specimens, this denomination and issue year were not subject to recall, short print runs, or other scarcity factors that would elevate it beyond common status. Rhodesian pound notes from this period, though no longer in circulation, remain accessible to collectors at reasonable price points.

Issued on September 1st, 1967, this note marks the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia's transition period as the country moved toward its 1970 independence from Britain. The formal military-style portrait of the woman on the obverse and the majestic waterfall on the reverse reflect Rhodesia's natural heritage and institutional pride during this pivotal era. The note's design and printing quality exemplify the technical standards maintained by the Reserve Bank during the late colonial and early post-colonial periods.

The obverse features a formal right-facing profile portrait of a dignified woman in three-quarter view, wearing a military-style jacket with insignia and a pearl earring, with waves-styled hair. This portrait is positioned on the right side of the note and is flanked by elaborate ornamental scrollwork and floral designs on the left. The central design incorporates the Coat of Arms of Rhodesia positioned above an ornate cloud-like cartouche containing the denomination and bank identification. The reverse showcases a detailed engraved landscape featuring Victoria Falls or a similar major Rhodesian waterfall, surrounded by dense forest vegetation, with ornamental pound sterling symbols (£1) in decorative frames positioned at all four corners. The overall aesthetic combines classical British Commonwealth currency design with imagery celebrating Rhodesia's natural attractions.

FRONT SIDE: 'RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (bank name), 'ONE POUND' (denomination), 'FOR THE RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (authority statement), 'Governor' (signature line), 'SALISBURY, 1ST SEPTEMBER, 1967' (issue date and location), Serial number 'K 23 771801' (appears twice for security). BACK SIDE: 'RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (bank name), 'ONE POUND' (denomination), '£1' (currency symbol and denomination).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on a multi-color lithographic base, typical of high-security currency production in the 1960s. The fine line work evident in the portrait rendering, the landscape details, and the ornamental patterns indicate traditional bank note engraving by a security printer. The layered color application (mauve, gray-blue, and cream tones) and complex border patterns reflect period-appropriate anti-counterfeiting measures. This note was likely produced by a major Commonwealth security printer such as De La Rue, though specific printer attribution would require examination of printer marks not clearly visible in the provided images.

The observed specimen displays serial number K 23 771801, indicating the 'K' prefix series typical of this issue. The date of 'SALISBURY, 1ST SEPTEMBER, 1967' is consistent with the Pick 28b classification. Known varieties for this Pick number include different signature combinations and serial number prefixes reflecting the note's production period. No overprints or unusual markings are apparent on this specimen. The 'K' series prefix appears to be among the earlier production runs of this design.