1 pound 1976

Common. This is a regular issue note from a major issuing authority with a long circulation period (1970-1988 per catalog data). Market data shows consistent availability with eBay sales ranging from $3-$33 depending on condition, and 2019 catalog values at $22.50 UNC, confirming robust supply in the collector market. Uncirculated examples are readily obtainable.

This note was issued during a period of Scottish monetary independence within the United Kingdom, with the 1976 date marking the later years of this particular design's circulation. The obverse portrait of Sir Walter Scott honors Scotland's most celebrated literary figure of the 19th century, while the reverse imagery—featuring a full-rigged sailing ship and heraldic thistle designs—reflects Scotland's maritime heritage and national identity during the post-imperial era.

The obverse features a classical portrait of Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), Scotland's most influential Romantic-era novelist, depicted in formal early 19th-century attire facing right. The Bank of Scotland coat of arms dominates the center, flanked by two allegorical female figures representing classical virtues, with a shield bearing the distinctive X saltire and four circular bezants. Ornamental thistles frame the left margin, and decorative rosette seals appear in multiple corners. The reverse displays a meticulously engraved full-rigged sailing ship (oval frame, left side) representing Scotland's merchant marine heritage, the Scottish coat of arms (upper center), and a circular medallion on the right depicting what appears to be a historical scene with fortifications—likely representing Scottish historical significance. The note employs green as the primary color with pink and cream undertones creating sophisticated polychrome effects.

Front: 'THE GOVERNOR & COMPANY OF THE BANK OF SCOTLAND' (issuing authority), 'PROMISE TO PAY HERE TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND' (legal tender declaration), 'ONE POUND' (denomination), 'EDINBURGH' (place of issue), '8TH SEPTEMBER 1976' (authorization date), 'Governor' and 'Treasurer & General Manager' (authorized signatories), 'C 62 0000278' (serial number). Back: '£1' (denomination symbol), 'DIGNITAT' (Latin: 'Dignity', part of heraldic motto), 'C 62 0000278' (matching serial number).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) with multi-color security printing. The intricate cross-hatching, fine line work, and detailed portraiture are characteristic of banknote intaglio production. This series was produced by the Bank of Scotland's authorized security printers using traditional steel plate engraving combined with multi-pass color registration to achieve the gradient effects and polychrome security features visible throughout both sides. The ornamental borders and rosette patterns employ specialized security engraving techniques.

Serial number prefix 'C 62' indicates this is a standard circulation issue (not a replacement note, which would bear Z/1, Z/2, or Z/3 prefixes as noted in reference data). The specific authorization date of '8TH SEPTEMBER 1976' and corresponding printer's signatures on this example represent the 1976 series variant within the broader 1970-1988 issuance. No evidence of overprints, special markings, or other distinguishing characteristics suggesting a sub-variety.