2 leones 1980

Common. This note is part of a standard circulation issue from 1980 with a lengthy printing window (cataloged across variants P-6b through P-6h by PMG). Market data from realbanknotes.com indicates UNC specimens sold for $7 (2019 catalog value) and approximately $16 (eBay 2015), while circulated examples trade for $2-4. The serial number prefix B/39 falls within the documented regular issue range (B/32-B/37). No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or scarcity exists for this Pick number.

Issued on 31 May 1980, this note represents Sierra Leone's currency during the presidency of Siaka Stevens, whose portrait appears prominently on the obverse. The reverse depicts the Bank of Sierra Leone's headquarters building in Freetown, a symbol of the nation's monetary authority and modern institutional development during this period. The classical 'promise to pay on demand' language reflects the monetary traditions of post-colonial West African banking.

The obverse features a three-quarter profile portrait of President Siaka Stevens, positioned on the left side and wearing a light-colored cap, rendered in brown and dark tones against the red and pink multicolor background. Ornamental geometric patterns frame both sides of the note with triangular and linear border designs. A prominent circular decorative element appears on the right side of the obverse. The reverse displays the Bank of Sierra Leone's modernist headquarters—a multi-story structure with characteristic horizontal lines, a tall tower element, and lower horizontal wings, positioned centrally. The left side of the reverse features stylized botanical elements including palm fronds, reflective of Sierra Leone's tropical environment. A circular coat of arms or seal appears on the right side of the reverse, with the denomination displayed prominently in both numeral and word form.

Front side: 'BANK OF SIERRA LEONE' (issuing authority); 'promise to pay on demand the sum of' (standard promissory language); 'TWO LEONES' (denomination in words); '2' (denomination in numerals); 'A.S.C. Dem' (likely abbreviated official designation); 'GOVERNOR,' 'DEPUTY GOVERNOR,' 'DIRECTORS' (signing officials); Serial number 'B 39 968601'; Date '31 MAY 1980'. Back side: 'BANK OF SIERRA LEONE' (repeat identification); 'TWO LEONES' and '2' (denomination); 'PRINTED BY DE LA RUE & COMPANY, LIMITED' (printer attribution).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), the standard security printing method used by Thomas de la Rue & Company, Limited (TDLR), London. The intricate line work, geometric borders, botanical motifs, and fine detail observed throughout both sides are characteristic of high-security currency production. The note exhibits the multi-color offset printing on a multicolor underprint base typical of De la Rue's mid-twentieth-century currency production.

This note is identified as Pick P-6e based on catalog data. The observed serial number prefix 'B 39' falls within the documented range for regular issues (B/32-B/37). PMG has identified multiple varieties for the base Pick-6, including replacement notes with 'Z/1' prefix and variants P-6b through P-6h. The standard watermark is a lion's head, consistent with Bank of Sierra Leone currency of this era. No visible overprints or unusual features indicating a replacement note or special variety are apparent from the visual analysis.