5 scelini 1966
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3 salesAbout This Note
This is a pristine, uncirculated example of Somalia's 1966 5 Scellini note (Pick P-5), issued by the Banca Nazionale Somala. The obverse features a striking anatomical heart illustration in a circular medallion, rendered in pink and magenta tones with ornate geometric borders, while the reverse depicts a traditional sailing dhow centered on the note. The exceptional condition, crisp engraving quality, and absence of wear make this an attractive specimen for collectors of early East African currency.
Common. The catalog value of $175 for UNC condition and eBay market data showing consistent sales ranging from $18.50 (circulated) to $217.50 (graded PMG 66) indicate this is a regularly traded note with adequate supply in the collector market. It was part of Somalia's regular issue currency series, not a commemorative or limited release. The lack of significant premium over catalog value and multiple documented sales transactions confirm common status.
This note was issued in 1966, the year Somalia's currency was decimalized and the shilling replaced the somalo as the standard monetary unit. The iconography reflects the nation's maritime heritage and cultural identity—the dhow represents Somalia's long seafaring tradition and connection to Indian Ocean trade routes, while the decorative Islamic geometric patterns acknowledge the country's Muslim cultural foundation during the early years of the Somali Republic.
The obverse displays a prominent anatomical heart in classical medical illustration style within a circular frame on the left, likely symbolizing national pride or strength. The denomination '5 SCELLINI' appears in ornate decorative lettering at center with signature lines for the President and Board of Auditors President below. The reverse features a traditional single-sailed dhow (coastal sailing vessel) positioned center-right on stylized seawaters, characteristic of East African maritime imagery. Both sides employ elaborate Islamic-inspired geometric interlaced border patterns. A watermark area (visible as a blank circular space) appears designed for the national symbol—a leopard's head, as documented in contemporary issues. The overall design reflects Italian influence in layout and typography, consistent with Somalia's colonial heritage and early independence-era currency design.
Front side: 'BANCA NAZIONALE SOMALA' (National Bank of Somalia), '5 SCELLINI' (5 Shillings), 'IL PRESIDENTE' (The President), 'IL PRESIDENTE DEL COLLEGIO DEI REVISORI' (The President of the Board of Auditors), 'MOGADISCIO 1966' (Mogadishu 1966), and series/serial designations 'B003' and '282808'. Back side: '5 SOMALI SHILLINGS' (English denomination), 'ال جمهورية الصومالية' (Arabic: The Somali Republic).
Intaglio engraving (evidenced by the fine line work, crisp details in decorative elements, and intricate geometric patterns characteristic of banknote production). The note was printed by OCV (Officina Carte Valori or similar security printer), without printer imprint visible on the note itself. The multi-color printing on both obverse and reverse demonstrates sophisticated security printing capabilities standard for central bank currency of the 1960s.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-5a variant (5 Scellini = 5/- Shillings, printed by OCV). The serial number prefix 'B003' and the observed signature configuration ('IL PRESIDENTE' at left) correspond to documented P-5a characteristics. PMG records indicate two variants exist for this base Pick number (P-5a and P-5s), though the specific distinguishing features between variants appear primarily related to signature arrangements or minor printing differences. The present example shows classic design elements consistent with the 1966 first release.
