2 dollars 1979

Common. This is a standard circulation issue from the 1979 Rhodesian series with no documented evidence of limited print runs, early recall, or scarcity in numismatic literature. While notes from the final days of Rhodesia hold historical interest, the 2 Dollar denomination in this series was widely produced and remains readily available in the market. The UNC condition grade is not unusual for this note type, as many were preserved in collections without circulation.

This note was issued during the final months of Rhodesia as an independent state, just weeks before the transition to Zimbabwe in June 1979. The heraldic imagery on the obverse represents the Rhodesian national identity, while the waterfall depicted on the reverse—likely Victoria Falls or a similar iconic cascade—symbolizes the nation's natural resources and geographic significance. The May 1979 date places this issue at a pivotal moment in southern African history, making these notes historically significant as they represent one of the last emissions of the Rhodesian currency before the country's political transformation.

The obverse features a formal classical design centered on the Coat of Arms of Rhodesia, which includes a shield quartered with heraldic symbols, supported by two stylized lions as supporters, and topped with an ornamental crest—all rendered in fine line engraving with red and purple coloration. The Reserve Bank of Rhodesia circular seal appears prominently, and the note is framed by an ornate decorative border with floral/botanical motifs in the lower left. The reverse displays a detailed landscape engraving of a multi-tiered waterfall (likely Victoria Falls) with surrounding vegetation and tall trees, rendered in green and gray tones against a red/pink border frame. Dollar sign symbols in decorative cartouches occupy all four corners of the reverse, and the entire note is enclosed within an ornamental geometric border pattern. The color scheme combines red/pink with blue and purple accents on the obverse and green/gray landscape tones on the reverse.

FRONT: 'RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (issuing authority); 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand' (currency promise); 'TWO DOLLARS' (denomination in words); 'FOR THE RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (issuer attribution); 'Governor' (signatory title); 'SALISBURY, 24th MAY, 1979' (place and date of issue); Serial number 'K 165 706510' (appears twice). BACK: 'RESERVE BANK OF RHODESIA' (issuing authority); 'TWO DOLLARS' (denomination in words); '$2' (denomination symbol, appears in all four corners).

Intaglio (engraved line) printing, as evidenced by the fine, crisp line work visible throughout both sides, particularly in the heraldic imagery and landscape details. The depth and precision of the engraving, the clear ornamental borders, and the detailed rendering of the waterfall and vegetation are characteristic of traditional intaglio security printing. For Rhodesian notes of this period, the Reserve Bank of Rhodesia typically contracted with established security printers such as Thomas De La Rue & Company, though specific printer attribution would require additional documentation.

Serial number prefix 'K 165' observed on this specimen. For Rhodesian 1979 notes, varieties are typically distinguished by serial number prefixes and signatures of the Governor. No overprints or other variants noted on this example. The specific signature present (Governor) and serial prefix 'K 165' should be recorded for variety documentation, though no major printing varieties have been formally catalogued for this Pick number in standard references.