1 pound 1962

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $6.59-$32.77 range across multiple condition grades, with VF specimens regularly trading at $16.50-$23.94, indicating strong availability and active collector demand. The 1956-1964 issue period represents a substantial print run, and this specific 1962 example shows no indicators of scarcity. The moderate market prices and high frequency of sales confirm this as a readily available note for collectors.

Issued during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, this note represents the Royal Bank of Scotland's mid-twentieth-century design philosophy, prominently featuring Edinburgh and Glasgow buildings that symbolized Scotland's industrial and financial prominence. The classical allegorical figures and royal iconography reflect the post-WWII confidence in British institutions and the continued importance of Scottish banking independence within the UK monetary system.

The front features allegorical female figures (Britannia-style representations) positioned symmetrically on the left and right sides, flanking a central crowned female portrait medallion within a decorative wreath—likely representing Queen Victoria or a symbolic representation of British monarchy. The design employs ornamental lion emblems in the top corners and extensive floral and scroll work throughout the borders, all rendered in dark navy blue against a yellow-gold background. The reverse depicts two significant Scottish financial/civic buildings: the neoclassical Edinburgh building with columns and steps on the left, and the Glasgow institutional building on the right, each rendered in architectural detail and flanking a central Royal Bank of Scotland emblem within an ornate circular frame.

FRONT: 'The Royal Bank of Scotland' (bank name); 'ONE POUND' (denomination, repeated); '1ST AUGUST 1962' (issue date); 'EDINBURGH' (city of issue); 'Promise to pay on Demand the Bearer the Sum of ONE POUND in Gold or Silver at our Office here' (promise clause); 'By order of the Court of Directors' (authority statement); 'General Manager' (signatory title); 'W. & A. K. JOHNSTON & G. W. BACON LTD. EDINBURGH' (printer); Serial number 'NO BJ 964305' (repeated). BACK: 'THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND' (bank name); 'ONE POUND' (denomination); 'EDINBURGH' and 'GLASGOW' (location labels for depicted buildings).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), executed by W. & A. K. Johnston & G. W. Bacon Ltd., Edinburgh, the established Scottish printer. The technique is evident from the fine line work, intricate guilloche patterns, decorative scrollwork, and high-quality impression visible throughout both sides. The security features include fine engraved patterns and serial number repetition, typical of mid-century British banknote production standards.

This specimen is identified as Pick 324b, dated 1st August 1962, with serial prefix 'NO BJ'. The issue falls within the 1956-1964 series. Known varieties for this Pick number include different signature combinations (the General Manager's signature varied during the issue period) and different engraver attributions (W. H signature noted on obverse; Egan signature identified upside down and in miniature below the right-hand bank building on the reverse). The specific combination of signatures and engraver marks should be verified to determine the exact sub-variety of this example.