1 pound 1972

Common. While eBay price tracking shows UNC examples catalogued at approximately $55 (2019), actual market sales data indicates prices substantially lower ($33–$43 for PMG-graded examples as recently as 2023). The 1972 Clydesdale one pound note was a regular issue with substantial print runs during the 1971–1981 series. The denomination, issuer, and date are straightforward without short-run variants, recalls, or significant scarcity factors. High condition examples like this are desirable but not rare.

Issued by the Clydesdale Bank Ltd. on 1 May 1972, this note commemorates two pivotal moments in Scottish history: Robert the Bruce, the 14th-century king who secured Scottish independence, and the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), the decisive military victory that validated that independence. The reversal depicts warriors aboard a medieval galley, reflecting the maritime military heritage of Scotland during this period of national consolidation.

The obverse features a finely engraved portrait of Robert the Bruce, the medieval Scottish king, depicted wearing a crown and ornate chainmail armor on the left side of the note. The composition includes the bank's promise to pay text in the center, with decorative circular medallions displaying the denomination numeral '1' positioned at upper right and lower center. A thistle motif appears near the portrait, reinforcing Scottish identity. The reverse presents a detailed historical engraving depicting the Battle of Bannockburn scene, showing multiple armored Scottish warriors with decorated shields and heraldic designs aboard a medieval galley with rigging and sail. The composition demonstrates skilled line engraving technique with fine parallel lines creating depth and shadow throughout both sides.

Front side: Serial number 'DK843715'; 'CLYDESDALE BANK LIMITED'; 'PROMISE TO PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND AT THEIR OFFICE HERE'; 'ONE POUND'; 'BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS'; signature with title 'GENERAL MANAGER'; 'GLASGOW 1st. MAY 1972' (date and place of issue); Serial number repeated 'DK843715'. Back side: No inscriptions observed beyond denomination markers.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard method for banknote production during this period. The fine parallel line patterns visible throughout both sides, the sharp detail in the portrait and historical scene, and the security line work background are characteristic of high-security intaglio printing. The Clydesdale Bank notes of this era were typically printed by Thomas De La Rue or similar specialist security printers, though the specific printer attribution would require additional documentation.

This example is dated 1 May 1972 and carries serial number DK843715 with the 'DK' prefix. The note is signed by a General Manager as indicated by the signature block. Within the 1971–1981 Clydesdale series (Pick 204b), varieties exist based on signature changes, date variants, and serial number prefixes, but the 1972 date places this in the earlier issuance window. No significant overprints or printing anomalies are evident in the visual analysis that would mark this as a notable sub-variety.