5 francs 1961
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of the Banque d'Emission du Rwanda et du Burundi's inaugural 5 Francs note (Pick 1a) from May 15, 1961, presented in AU condition with virtually no signs of circulation. The note showcases fine classical engraving featuring a detailed impala in profile against a stylized landscape, rendered in warm reddish-brown tones with ornate geometric borders. The crisp printing, clean paper stock, and preserved color make this an attractive example of early Central African currency design from the immediate post-independence period.
Common. While the Banque d'Emission du Rwanda et du Burundi had a short operational span (1961-1964) before the two territories separated, the 5 Francs denomination Pick 1a was produced in substantial quantities as the lowest denomination and most frequently circulated note. Notes from this issuer appear regularly in the market at modest prices. The AU condition example shown here is desirable but not exceptionally scarce.
Issued on May 15, 1961, this note represents the Banque d'Emission du Rwanda et du Burundi's first currency emission following the territories' transition toward independence. The choice of indigenous wildlife (the impala) as the primary design element reflects post-colonial design philosophy that emphasized local fauna rather than colonial iconography. The French-language inscriptions and institutional branding document the brief period when Rwanda and Burundi shared a common currency authority before their separation in 1964.
The front features a meticulously engraved impala in left-facing profile, a species native to the East African region encompassing Rwanda and Burundi. The animal is depicted with fine anatomical detail against a stylized vegetation background, framed within a series of ornamental borders composed of geometric guilloche patterns and corner rosettes. Large ornamental numerals '5' appear in all four corners. The back presents a more austere design centered on an elaborate decorative cartouche containing the numeral '5', flanked by symmetrical scrollwork and surrounded by the same geometric guilloche border patterns found on the obverse. The overall design aesthetic reflects mid-20th century European banknote engraving standards applied to African currency.
FRONT: 'Banque d'Emission du Rwanda et du Burundi' (Bank of Issue of Rwanda and Burundi); 'Cinq Francs Payables à Vue' (Five Francs Payable on Sight); 'Un Administrateur. Le Président.' (An Administrator. The President.); 'Le Contrefacteur est Puni de Servitude Pénale' (The Counterfeiter is Punished by Penal Servitude); Serial number: H 544168; Date: 15.05.61 (May 15, 1961). BACK: 'Banque d'Emission du Rwanda et du Burundi' (Bank of Issue of Rwanda and Burundi); 'Cinq Francs' (Five Francs); Decorative numeral '5'.
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine line work, detailed crosshatching, precise shading variations, and the dimensional quality visible in the security features. The intricate guilloche patterns, fine engraving of the impala figure, and the crisp registration of the design elements are characteristic of high-security banknote production from this era. The printer for Pick 1a is documented as Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co., a prominent British security printer.
This note is dated 15.05.61 (May 15, 1961), representing the first issue date of the series. The serial number prefix 'H' is characteristic of this early printing. The Pick 1a designation is the base variety without signature varieties noted in standard catalogs. Known date variations for this issuer include 1963 and 1964 printings of the same design, but this 1961 example represents the inaugural emission.