1 pound 1967

Common. This is a regular issue note from a major Scottish bank with a four-year circulation period (1963-1967), and eBay market data confirms this assessment—examples regularly sell in the $14-$50 range depending on condition, with VF specimens typically fetching $15-$25. The PMG 66 EPQ grade is superior, but market pricing for this note type remains modest even in high grades, indicating substantial print runs and ready availability in the collector market. No evidence of scarcity or limited distribution.

Issued during the height of the British pound sterling's dominance in international finance, this note reflects Scotland's distinct banking heritage and pride in its architectural heritage. The prominent depiction of Edinburgh and Glasgow classical buildings on the reverse emphasizes the commercial importance of Scotland's two major cities, while the allegorical figures on the obverse connect to classical artistic traditions valued in mid-century British design. The June 1, 1967 issue date places this note in the final year of this particular series' circulation.

The obverse features allegorical representations of classical figures—a robed male figure on the left and female figure on the right—positioned within an ornate navy border surrounding a pale yellow central field. Portrait medallions of historical figures appear in ornamental frames in the upper central area, likely representing Scottish historical personalities. The reverse displays three horizontally-arranged circular vignettes: the left shows classical Edinburgh architecture with columns and pediment, the center features an elaborately decorated large numeral '1' with baroque scrollwork and flourishes, and the right depicts classical Glasgow architecture with similar architectural styling. The entire reverse employs fine black engraving on white paper with gray shading to enhance architectural detail.

FRONT SIDE: 'THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND' (bank title), 'ONE POUND' (denomination), 'EDINBURGH' (city of issue), 'I promise to pay on demand to the bearer ONE POUND Sterling at their Office here' (promise to pay clause), 'By order of the Court of Directors' (authorization), 'General Manager' (officer title), '1ST JUNE 1967' (official issue date), 'NO CU 668700' (serial number), repeated 'POUND' text in decorative border. BACK SIDE: 'THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND' (bank name), 'ONE POUND' (denomination), 'EDINBURGH' (identifying left architectural vignette), 'GLASGOW' (identifying right architectural vignette).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving) as confirmed by the detailed fine-line work, sharp engraved borders, and complex ornamental scrollwork visible throughout both sides. Printed by W. & A. K. Johnston & G. W. Bacon Ltd, Edinburgh, employing traditional security printer techniques including multiple layers of engraved detail and decorative elements for counterfeiting prevention. The multicolor effect on the obverse (pale yellow underprint with dark blue/black engraving) suggests additional color printing or selective application methods typical of high-security banknote production of the period.

This note is the Pick 325b variety, identified by dimensions of 150 x 71mm and the pale yellow/cream underprint with black and brown engraving. The serial number prefix 'NO CU' and the specific issue date of '1ST JUNE 1967' are characteristic of the final year of this series. The General Manager signature line and 'By order of the Court of Directors' authorization formula are standard for this variety. No significant varieties have been documented for this Pick number; differences are primarily found in signature variations and serial number prefixes rather than major design modifications.