1 pound 1961

Common. While the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was short-lived (dissolved in 1963) and these notes have been out of circulation for decades, the 1961 one pound note (Pick P-21b) was issued in substantial quantities during the federation's brief existence. Notes from this issue are regularly available in the collector market at modest valuations. The VF grade and age are noteworthy to collectors, but the note itself is not scarce. Surviving examples are not difficult to locate, indicating a large original print run that has weathered reasonably well.

This banknote was issued during a pivotal moment in Southern African history: the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953-1963) represented an attempt at multi-racial governance that ultimately failed due to nationalist movements and colonial tensions. The date of 18 January 1961 places this note at the height of federation-wide unrest, just months before the Nyasaland secession crisis and the federation's eventual dissolution. The landscape vignette on the reverse depicts the natural beauty of the federation's territories, while the prominent placement of Queen Elizabeth II's portrait reflects the federation's Commonwealth status during this transitional period.

The obverse features a formally composed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in profile facing left, contained within an oval frame positioned on the right side of the note. The coat of arms of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland—a shield design incorporating heraldic elements representing the three constituent territories—is centrally positioned above the denomination text. Ornamental lion head designs appear in the top corners, serving as both decorative and security elements. The reverse depicts a natural landscape characteristic of the Rhodesian territories, featuring rocky outcrops or granite formations amid trees and vegetation, rendered in fine engraving with careful attention to light and shadow. The design palette of greens, mauve-pinks, and creams creates a distinctive aesthetic for 1960s Commonwealth currency.

FRONT: 'BANK OF RHODESIA AND NYASALAND' (issuer identification); 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand' (standard sterling promise clause); 'ONE POUND' and '£1' (denomination); 'For the Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland' (authorization); 'SALISBURY' (place of issue); '18TH JANUARY, 1961' (issue date); 'Governor.' (signature line); 'X 69 592837' (serial number). BACK: 'BANK OF RHODESIA AND NYASALAND' (issuer identification); 'ONE POUND' and '£1' (denomination). All inscriptions are in English, reflecting the official language of the federation.

The note was produced using intaglio engraving (line engraving and steel plate printing), the standard security printing method for high-value British Commonwealth banknotes of this era. The fine detail visible in the portrait, coat of arms, landscape vignette, and decorative border work are characteristic of intaglio production. The Rhodesia and Nyasaland notes of this period were typically produced by Thomas De La Rue & Company, the primary security printer for Commonwealth currency at the time, though specific printer attribution would require examination of printers' marks or additional documentation.

Pick P-21b designation indicates this is the second identified variety/version of the 1961 one pound note. The serial number prefix 'X 69' is consistent with the catalog listings for this issue. The specific date of 18 January 1961 matches the printed date on this example. Collectors should note any variations in signature placement, ink shade, or serial number prefixes, as multiple batches with slightly different characteristics may exist. No overprints or post-print alterations are visible on this specimen.