1 pound 1969
Market Prices
11 salesAbout This Note
This is a Bank of Scotland 1 pound note from 1969, presented in uncirculated condition with crisp printing and no visible wear. The note features an elegant design with two allegorical female figures flanking the Bank's coat of arms on the obverse, while the reverse displays three heraldic shields including a detailed sailing ship, exemplifying the fine engraving work of the period. As a Scottish banknote from this era, it represents an interesting piece of British monetary history and remains desirable to collectors of Scottish currency.
Common. This is a regular issue from 1969 with no indication of limited production or recall. eBay market data shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades, with UNC examples selling in the $40-80 range historically. The note was part of the Bank of Scotland's standard circulation series and no specific varieties are known to command premium prices. While Scottish banknotes have collector interest, this particular issue remains affordable and available in the market.
This 1969 Bank of Scotland note was issued during a period when Scottish banks retained the right to issue their own currency, a distinctive feature of Scottish banking. The heraldic imagery—including the St. Andrew's Cross, thistles, and sailing ship—reflects Scotland's maritime heritage and national identity. The note's design emphasizes the Bank's historical significance, with the allegorical figures representing classical virtues associated with commerce and banking institutions of the era.
The obverse features two classical allegorical female figures in formal dress positioned symmetrically on either side of the Bank of Scotland's coat of arms, which is centered and features St. Andrew's Cross. The design incorporates ornate decorative borders with rosette patterns in green, orange, brown, and blue tones on a cream background. The reverse displays three heraldic shields arranged horizontally: the left contains the Bank's allegorical coat of arms, the center shows St. Andrew's Cross with thistle supporters, and the right depicts a meticulously detailed sailing ship under full sail representing Scotland's maritime tradition. Two large circular pound symbols anchor the lower portion. Fine line engraving creates intricate geometric patterns throughout, with particular detail in the ship's rigging and the ornamental frames.
Front side: 'BANK OF SCOTLAND' (institution name); 'THE GOVERNOR & COMPANY OF THE BANK OF SCOTLAND' (legal entity name); 'PROMISE TO PAY HERE TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND' (standard promise clause); 'ONE POUND' (denomination); 'EDINBURGH' (place of issue); '18TH AUGUST 1969' (authorization date); 'B/I 0186089' (serial number); 'GOVERNOR' and 'TREASURER & GENERAL MANAGER' (officer titles with corresponding signatures). Back side: '£1' (denomination symbol, appears twice); 'WATERSTON' (engraver/printer credit).
Intaglio engraving (steel or copper plate engraving), executed by G. Waterston & Sons, Edinburgh, as indicated by the 'WATERSTON' credit on the reverse. The printing method employs fine line work and complex rosette patterns characteristic of high-security bank note production, with multicolor printing achieved through successive passes over an engraved base plate. The precision of the geometric patterns and the crispness of all elements observed in this uncirculated example confirm professional banknote-grade engraving and printing standards.
Pick 109b designation indicates this is from the 1968-1969 issue series by Bank of Scotland. The specific serial number B/I 0186089 with the B/I prefix is consistent with standard Bank of Scotland numbering of this period. Signatures present read as 'Howard' (Governor) and 'Pattison' (Treasurer & General Manager), representing the signing authorities for this authorization date of 18th August 1969. No major varieties (such as color variations, overprints, or signature combinations that would constitute separate catalog listings) are evident in this example.
