5 scelini 1971

Common. Although catalog 2019 valuations list UNC specimens at $200, current eBay market data shows UNC examples averaging around $462.87 USD, with VF examples trading at $149-179 USD. The presence of multiple variants (P-13a, P-13ap1, P-13ap2, P-13s) in PMG records indicates substantial print runs. The relatively modest pricing even for UNC condition (compared to genuinely scarce African notes) and the wide availability of examples across multiple condition grades confirm this as a standard-issue banknote that was printed in sufficient quantities for normal circulation. This particular specimen, in circulated condition, is typical of the print run.

This note was issued in 1971, during the early years of Somalia's military government following the 1969 coup d'état. The imagery reflects Somalia's cultural heritage and economic identity: the oryx antelope represents the wildlife of the Horn of Africa region, while the dhow sailing vessel symbolizes the maritime trade traditions and Indian Ocean commerce that have historically defined Somali commerce. The Italian inscriptions (BANCA NAZIONALE SOMALA, MOGADISCIO 1971) reflect Somalia's colonial linguistic legacy, as Italian remained the language of banking and administration in the immediate post-colonial period.

The obverse features a left-facing oryx antelope (Oryx dammah) rendered in profile within a circular frame, a symbol of Somali fauna and national identity. Above the antelope is a white star, referencing the flag of Somalia. The center of the note contains an elaborate geometric and floral cartouche in green and gold tones typical of Islamic decorative art, with the denomination '5 SCELLINI' prominently displayed. Signature lines for 'IL GOVERNATORE' (Governor) and 'IL CASSIERE' (Cashier) are positioned below the central cartouche. The reverse depicts a traditional Arabian dhow with a single sail on stylized water rendered in brown/maroon against a light blue background, symbolizing Somalia's maritime heritage and trade routes. Both sides feature ornate decorative borders with Islamic-geometric and shield-like floral corner motifs. The color scheme of purple/mauve, green, gold, and blue creates a balanced, formal appearance typical of 1970s African currency design.

Front side: 'BANCA NAZIONALE SOMALA' (Somali National Bank), '5 SCELLINI' (5 Shillings), 'IL GOVERNATORE' (The Governor), 'IL CASSIERE' (The Cashier), 'MOGADISCIO 1971' (Mogadishu 1971), serial number 'B006 563549'. Back side: '5' and 'SOMALI SHILLINGS' in English, with Arabic text in the upper border band (precise transcription not possible from image quality). All inscriptions appear in Italian, English, and Arabic, reflecting Somalia's trilingual currency tradition.

Intaglio engraving, as evidenced by the fine line work, detailed portrait rendering of the antelope, intricate geometric patterns in the central cartouche, and the precise ornamentation visible throughout both sides of the note. The printer is OCV (identified from catalog data), a European security printer. No imprint is visible on this note variant (cataloged as P-13a without imprint). The depth and clarity of the engraved decorative borders and the delicate rendering of the dhow sailing vessel are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production.

This note corresponds to Pick catalog P-13a, printed by OCV without imprint. PMG records identify four distinct cataloged variants for this base Pick number: P-13a (OCV printer), P-13ap1 (OCV printer), P-13ap2 (no printer specified), and P-13s (likely specimen). The observed serial number prefix 'B006' and the absence of visible overprints or date variations suggest this is a standard circulation note from the initial 1971 issue. The circulated condition and normal serial numbering sequence confirm this as a regular issue variant rather than a specimen (P-13s) or special printing.