1 pound 1966

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades from 2013-2020, with EF examples selling in the $10-11 range and catalog values established at $20 (VF) and $60 (UNC). The note's circulation across the secondary market and regular price discovery indicates a standard commercial issue with no scarcity premium. The British Linen Bank operated as an authorized Scottish note issuer during this period with substantial print runs.

Issued during the height of Scottish banking independence, this British Linen Bank note represents the final years of private note issuance in Scotland before the 1967 transition period. The heraldic imagery emphasizing the lion and unicorn supporters of the Royal Coat of Arms, combined with the Britannia figure holding a trident on the reverse, reflects both Scottish and British imperial identity during the mid-1960s. The note's January 1966 date falls within the bank's 1962-1967 issuance period, a critical era before banking reforms consolidated Scottish note issuing.

Obverse features the Royal Coat of Arms in the center with the heraldic lion and unicorn supporters prominently displayed, flanked by ornate floral rosette medallions in all four corners. The design is executed in dark blue and pink tones with intricate engraved borders creating a formal, authoritative presentation. Reverse depicts Britannia—a classical allegorical female figure seated in flowing robes and holding a trident—positioned within a large central circular medallion, with a sailing ship visible in the background representing British maritime heritage. The Britannia design is surrounded by matching ornamental floral rosettes and fine-line background engraving, rendered predominantly in light and dark blue.

Front: 'The British Linen Bank' (issuing authority), 'One Pound Sterling' (denomination), '25TH JANUARY 1966' (authorization date), 'EDINBURGH' (place of issuance), 'Incorporated by Royal Charter 1746' (bank's founding), 'By order of the Court of Directors' (authorization), 'General Manager' (signatory title), Serial number '°857267' (repeated upper corners). Back: 'BRITANNIA' (identifying the allegorical figure), 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited, London. The security printing exhibits multiple engraved layers including the primary design elements, fine-line background patterns filling empty spaces, ornate decorative borders with repeated floral motifs, and intricate detail work in both the heraldic and allegorical figures. No electronic sorting lines are present on the reverse, consistent with the 1963-1967 production period.

This note represents the 1963-1967 issuance period for the British Linen Bank 1 pound note (Pick 166c variant). The specific date of 25th January 1966 places it within the mid-period of this series. Serial number °857267 indicates Edinburgh printing. No significant die varieties, signatures, or overprint variations are apparent from the visual analysis. The note conforms to the standard design specifications of the Pick 166c catalog entry.