2 dollars 1977

Common. The 2 Dollar denomination from the 1977 series of Rhodesian notes was issued in substantial quantities as part of the standard circulation currency. No specific information indicates an exceptionally limited print run, early recall, or extreme scarcity for this Pick number. PMG 67 EPQ notes are higher grade examples and command modest premiums over lower grades, but the underlying note itself remains common in the collector market. These notes are regularly available through numismatic channels at moderate prices.

This 2 Dollar note was issued by the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia on April 15, 1977, during the later years of Rhodesian independence (1965-1980) before the country's transition to Zimbabwe. The prominent placement of Victoria Falls on the reverse reflects the nation's iconic natural landmarks and served as a symbol of national pride. The formal inscriptions and Governor's signature document Rhodesia's final years as an independent monetary authority before international sanctions and political changes led to the establishment of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe in 1980.

The obverse features an ornate design with a prominent Rhodesian coat of arms displaying a heraldic shield with supporting animals and a crest, positioned within a central oval cartouche surrounded by decorative red and pink borders with intricate corner patterns. The Governor's signature appears below the coat of arms with the formal promise to pay clause. The reverse presents a detailed engraved landscape of Victoria Falls, one of Rhodesia's most celebrated natural wonders, depicting the dramatic waterfall with multiple cascades, rocky terrain, and surrounding vegetation rendered in black and white line engraving. Denomination markers in circular ornamental frames appear in all four corners of both sides. The color scheme of red/pink and black/white provides strong visual contrast and aesthetic appeal.

FRONT: 'RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (issuing authority); '$2' (denomination in corners); 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand' (legal tender clause); 'TWO DOLLARS' (denomination in words); 'FOR THE RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (authorization); 'Governor' (signatory title); 'SALISBURY, 15TH APRIL, 1977' (issue date and place). BACK: 'RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (issuing authority); '$2' (denomination in all four corners); 'TWO DOLLARS' (denomination in words).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), the standard security printing method for Reserve Bank of Rhodesia notes of this era. The sharp detail visible in both the ornamental borders and the complex Victoria Falls landscape, combined with the fine line work throughout, confirms professional bank note engraving. The note was likely produced by a specialized security printer contracted by the Reserve Bank; for Rhodesian notes of the 1970s, this was typically Thomas De La Rue or a similar established currency printer, though Rhodesian notes were also produced domestically by the Government Printing Office.

This specific note is identified as Pick 35b by the serial number format 'K/135 840449' and the April 15, 1977 date. The 'K' prefix and numerical sequence help distinguish this from other 1977 printings. Pick catalog 35b represents the 1977 dated issue with the Governor's signature and Salisbury imprint. Collectors should note that Rhodesian 2 Dollar notes from different printings may vary in signature, watermark clarity, and border registration details, though all share the same fundamental design elements. The serial number and date combination on this specimen confirms it as a variant from the main 1977 production run.