1 pound 1960

Common. The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland issued currency in substantial quantities during its decade of existence (1953-1963), and 1 pound notes from 1960 were printed in large runs. There is no evidence of limited print runs, early recalls, or scarcity for this Pick-21a variety. The Fair condition and visible wear indicate this note circulated normally rather than being withheld from circulation. Standard market valuations for Federation 1 pound notes in this condition typically fall in the $15-30 range, consistent with common-grade historical banknotes.

This note was issued on 26th February 1960, during the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland's existence as a political union (1953-1963). The landscape vignette on the reverse depicts the natural terrain characteristic of the region, while the formal portraiture and British-style design reflect the federation's Commonwealth status at this time. The Salisbury imprint confirms issue from what was then the capital of Southern Rhodesia, the administrative center of the federation.

The obverse features an ornate rectangular frame in green and gold with corner £1 denomination symbols. The central design includes a coat of arms featuring a lion rampant positioned above the denomination text, representing the heraldic authority of the Federation. A portrait of a woman appears in profile facing left within an oval frame on the right side, while a large blank oval watermark area occupies the left side. The reverse displays an engraved landscape vignette dominated by tall trees and natural vegetation, with what appears to be a gorge or water feature in the central background—likely representing the Victoria Falls or similar iconic Rhodesian/Nyasaland geography. Ornamental corner designs with scrollwork frame the entire composition in greens and mauve tones.

FRONT: 'Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland' (issuing authority); 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand' (standard promise clause); 'One Pound' (denomination); 'for the Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland' (issuer confirmation); 'Salisbury' (place of issue); '26th February 1960' (date of issue); 'Governor' (signatory title); 'X 388530' (serial number); '38' (printer or sheet identifier). BACK: 'Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland' (issuing authority); 'One Pound' (denomination); 'Broadway, Wilkinson & Co Ltd' (printer); 'New Malden, Surrey, England' (printer location).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving, evidenced by the fine line work, intricate border patterns, and detailed landscape vignette visible throughout. The printer, Broadway, Wilkinson & Co Ltd of New Malden, Surrey, was a prominent British security printer. The note exhibits characteristic features of high-quality 1960s intaglio production including fine engraved patterns, relief printing texture, and the watermark area integration typical of Commonwealth currency of the era.

This note is identified as Pick-21a, dated 26th February 1960, with serial number prefix 'X'. The 'a' designation in the Pick catalog indicates this is likely the first or primary variety of the 1960 1 pound issue. Known varieties of Federation pound notes typically differ by date, signatory, and serial number prefix. The visible serial number X 388530 and sheet identifier '38' should be noted for variety documentation. No overprints or alterations are evident on this example.