100 shilin 1978

Common. The 1978 Somalia P-24 is a standard regular-issue banknote from a major denomination and was produced in substantial quantities by the Central Bank of Somalia. eBay transaction data shows consistent sales in the $8–$23 range for F-grade notes, with 2019 catalog values of $130 UNC representing typical collector pricing rather than rarity premiums. No print run restrictions, recalls, or short-issue status are documented for this Pick number. This note remains readily available in the international banknote market.

Issued in 1978 by the Central Bank of Somalia (Bankiga Dhexe ee Soomaaliya), this banknote reflects the post-revolutionary development agenda of the Somali Democratic Republic under Siad Barre. The prominent allegorical female figure holding agricultural tools and the depiction of an industrial processing facility on the reverse symbolize the state's emphasis on economic modernization through farming and manufacturing. The Dagathur Monument, a traditional Somali landmark, anchors the design in national identity while celebrating progress toward a socialist-oriented development model.

The obverse features a classical allegorical female figure in the center-left, personifying agriculture and national development, depicted holding farming implements (shovel and rake) and wearing traditional robes with laurel branches. The Dagathur Monument—a tall obelisk commemorating Somali national heritage—is positioned prominently on the right side of the central design. The Somali national coat of arms (shield with star) appears on the left. The reverse depicts workers engaged in industrial labor at a processing or manufacturing facility, with machinery and urban industrial architecture in the background, reinforcing the state's development narrative. Both sides feature ornamental geometric and Islamic-influenced decorative patterns in the corner blocks and borders, rendered in navy blue and gold/cream tones.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANKIGA DHEXE EE SOOMAALIYA' (Central Bank of Somalia) | '100 SHILIN' / 'SHILIN SOOMAALI' (100 Shillings / Somali Shilling) | 'SHILLINGS' (English denomination) | 'TALIYAHA' (Agriculture/Farming) | 'LACAGHAYAHA' (Finance/Wealth) | 'MUQDISHO 1978' (Mogadishu 1978) | Serial number: T003 634799 | Date reference: December 1977. BACK SIDE: 'CENTRAL BANK OF SOMALIA' (English) | '100 SHILIN' / 'SHILIN SOOMAALI' (100 Shillings / Somali Shilling) | 'SOMALI SHILLINGS' (English denomination). The bilingual (Somali/English) inscriptions reflect Somalia's post-colonial linguistic policy.

Intaglio (line engraving) printing on a multicolor base, evidenced by the fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and precise denomination numerals observed throughout the note. The layered color application (navy blue primary with gold and cream accents) and watermark positioning indicate professional security printing standards typical of De La Rue or similar commonwealth-era central bank note printers. The sharp, well-defined imagery and consistent ink density throughout both sides confirm high-quality intaglio production.

This example appears to be the standard P-24a variety (100 Shilin = 100/- Shillings format). The serial number prefix 'T003' and the date reference to December 1977 (with Mogadishu 1978 issuance date) are consistent with standard production. PMG cataloging recognizes variants P-24a and P-24s for this Pick number; the observed specimen does not show evidence of specimen overprinting or special markings that would indicate the P-24s variety. The note aligns with the first issue of this design type prior to the later similar notes referenced in catalog literature (P-28 and P-30).