1 pound 1976

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales across multiple condition grades from 2012-2026, with UNC examples selling in the $20-35 range and lower grades commanding $4-10. The 1974-1981 series had substantial circulation and print runs typical of a major Scottish clearing bank's regular issue. The catalog value for UNC is listed at $35 (2019), consistent with common Scottish regional notes of this era. No evidence of scarcity, short print runs, or recall history.

Clydesdale Bank Limited's one pound notes (1974-1981 series) commemorate two pivotal moments in Scottish history: Robert the Bruce, the medieval king depicted in profile on the obverse, and his greatest military achievement shown on the reverse—the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), where Scottish forces decisively defeated the English. The ornate medieval armor and heraldic symbols surrounding Bruce reinforce Scotland's historical identity and pride during a period when Scottish devolution was gaining political momentum in the 1970s.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Robert the Bruce, the medieval King of Scotland (1274-1329), rendered in fine detail wearing ornate plate armor with a decorative collar and distinctive feathered headdress characteristic of 14th-century royal regalia. A Scottish lion rampant coat of arms appears on the left side, while ornamental circular designs containing the numeral '1' are positioned on the right, reinforcing the denomination. The reverse depicts a complex historical battle scene from the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), showing a mounted knight in elaborate armor on a decorated horse in the upper portion, with multiple soldiers and warriors in medieval dress engaged in combat below, suggesting the intensity and scale of this decisive Scottish victory. Water features and architectural elements are visible in the background composition.

Front side: Serial number 'D AH 251943' (upper left and lower right); 'CLYDESDALE BANK LIMITED' (across center); 'PROMISE TO PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND AT THEIR OFFICE HERE' (promise clause); 'ONE POUND' (denomination); 'BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' (authorization); 'CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER' (signature title); 'GLASGOW 2nd FEBRUARY 1976' (issue location and date). Back side: Large numeral '1' within circular seal on left side (denomination marker). All text is in English.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving/copperplate), evidenced by the fine cross-hatching patterns, intricate guilloche security patterns, wavy security lines, and microprint-style line work throughout both obverse and reverse. The complex security features and sharp detail reproduction are characteristic of high-security banknote production. This note was likely printed by the Scottish banknote security printer of the period, employing multi-plate intaglio techniques with additional color separation for the pink/mauve and green inks.

This specific note is dated 2nd February 1976 with serial number prefix 'D AH', placing it within the early portion of the 1974-1981 series. The signature line shows 'CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER' title. Varieties in this Pick 204c series are typically distinguished by serial number prefixes and signature changes reflecting different chief general managers over the 1974-1981 period. The 1976 date is mid-range within the series' production years. No overprints or unusual varieties are evident in this specimen.