1 pound 1961
“20.01.61”
About This Note
This Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland one pound note from 1961 is an attractive example in Very Fine condition, dated 20 January 1961 — the very first day of issue for this series. The front features an elegant portrait of a crowned woman in profile, framed by ornate heraldic borders with lion symbols, while the reverse displays a detailed engraved landscape of rocky Zimbabwean terrain. The note shows minimal wear with crisp paper and clear detail throughout, making it a desirable example of early Rhodesian currency.
Common. The Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland operated from 1956 to 1964 and issued substantial quantities of currency during its brief existence. The 1961 one pound note (Pick 21b) represents standard circulation currency from the federation's early period and was printed in significant quantities by Waterlow & Sons. No specific print run restrictions, recall events, or scarcity factors are known for this issue. Examples are readily available in the collector market, and VF condition examples typically command modest prices reflecting their common status.
Issued by the newly formed Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in January 1961, this note represents the early monetary independence of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, a short-lived British colonial federation (1953–1963). The prominently displayed coat of arms and heraldic lions reflect the Commonwealth heritage of the issuing authority, while the rocky landscape on the reverse commemorates the natural features of the Rhodesian territory. The signature of Governor Welensky on the front underscores the political leadership during this transitional period in British African colonial history.
The obverse features a classical right-facing profile portrait of a woman wearing formal attire and a tiara or crown, positioned on the right side of the note. The design is anchored by the coat of arms of Rhodesia and Nyasaland centered at the top, with heraldic lion symbols positioned in opposing corners. Ornate floral and geometric borders frame the entire design in green, cream, and yellow tones. The reverse displays an engraved landscape depicting the characteristic rocky outcrops, boulders, and trees typical of the Zimbabwean plateau landscape — likely representing local scenery such as those found in the Matopo Hills or similar formations. Four heraldic lions appear in the corners of the reverse, maintaining the symmetrical design scheme. The color palette transitions to predominantly green with rose and pink undertones on the reverse.
Front side: 'BANK OF RHODESIA AND NYASALAND' (bank name); 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of ONE POUND for the Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland' (promise clause); 'Governor' (title); 'SALISBURY' (place of issue); '20TH JANUARY, 1961' (date of issue); Serial number 'X/70 562116'; Governor's signature (Welensky). Back side: 'BANK OF RHODESIA AND NYASALAND' (bank name); 'ONE POUND' (denomination). All inscriptions are in English.
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing on high-quality banknote paper, evidenced by the crisp line work, fine detail in both the portrait and landscape scenes, and the deep impression visible in the security printing. For Pick 21b, the printer was Waterlow & Sons, London, one of the premier security printers of the era. The fine engraved borders, heraldic symbols, and detailed landscape demonstrate the sophisticated multi-plate intaglio process typical of Commonwealth currency production in the early 1960s.
This specific note is identified as Pick 21b variety, representing the standard 1961 issue dated 20 January 1961 with Governor Welensky's signature. The serial number prefix 'X/70' indicates the printing batch assignment. No major varieties are documented for this Pick number, though signature varieties exist depending on the governor in office. The first-day-of-issue date (20.01.61) noted in the collector annotations is significant historically but does not create a distinct cataloged variety.
