2 leones 1980

Common. The catalogue value listed for 2019 shows UNC specimens at $20, and recent eBay sales data demonstrates consistent pricing in the $30–80 range for uncirculated examples, with multiple sales occurring across different years. This indicates steady market availability and typical demand for a commemorative issue from a major African nation. The print run for this OAU commemorative overprint was substantial enough to ensure regular circulation and collector availability. There is no evidence of rarity or scarcity factors such as recall, limited print runs, or significant catalogue recognition of this as a key-date issue.

This commemorative overprint was issued specifically to mark the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Conference held in Freetown on 1st July 1980, representing a significant diplomatic event for Sierra Leone. The obverse portrait depicts President Siaka Stevens, who was leading the nation during this period of continental African political engagement. The reverse building imagery reflects the modernization and institutional development of Sierra Leone's central banking infrastructure during the post-independence era.

The obverse features President Siaka Stevens wearing traditional Sierra Leonean formal dress (fez-style hat) in profile facing left, positioned in the left-center area, complemented by intricate ornamental geometric patterns and security line work throughout. The reverse depicts the Bank of Sierra Leone's headquarters building in Freetown, rendered with detailed architectural line work and horizontal striping, positioned center-right. Both sides incorporate decorative floral sunburst motifs, palm tree imagery, and a national coat of arms/circular emblem. The commemorative overprint is housed in a prominent circular cartouche on the obverse bearing the OAU Conference inscription and date. Dominant colour palette includes red, deep red-orange, brown, pink, and multicolour underprint with tan, blue, white, and purple accents.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANK OF SIERRA LEONE' (issuing authority); 'promise to pay on demand the sum of' (promise clause); 'TWO LEONES' (denomination in words); 'GOVERNOR', 'DEPUTY GOVERNOR', 'DIRECTORS' (official signature lines); Serial number 'A 000638'; Denomination numeral '2'; Commemorative text in circular emblem: 'COMMEMORATING THE ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN UNITY CONFERENCE FREETOWN SIERRA LEONE 1980' and '1ST JULY 1980'. BACK SIDE: 'BANK OF SIERRA LEONE' (issuing authority); 'TWO LEONES' (denomination); Denomination numeral '2'; 'THOMAS DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing) by Thomas de la Rue & Company Limited, London—the leading security printer responsible for this issue. The fine line work, complex geometric patterns, intricate architectural detailing, and sharp colour separation visible throughout confirm professional-grade engraved production. Multiple security features including fine-line spiral and geometric patterns serve as anti-counterfeiting measures, characteristic of TDLR's mid-20th century banknote production standards.

This note is catalogued as Pick P-11 (regular 2 Leones 1980 issue). PMG records indicate a variant exists designated P-11s marked as 'Commemorative,' which aligns with the visual observation of the OAU Conference commemorative overprint evident on the obverse. The serial number visible is A 000638, suggesting early printing from the A prefix series. The specific commemorative overprint (rather than a standard reissue of the earlier P-6 design) represents the key distinguishing feature of this variety. No printer's date or signature variant differences are noted from the visual analysis provided.