5 scelini 1968
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a circulated 1968 Somalia 5 Scellini note issued by the Banca Nazionale Somala, graded in Fair (F) condition. The note displays the characteristic ornate engraving style of early Somali currency, featuring a left-facing antelope portrait on the obverse and a traditional dhow sailing vessel on the reverse, both rendered in fine-line intaglio work. Despite visible creasing, folds, and age-related foxing typical of circulation, the note retains good detail in its decorative borders and security features, making it a representative example of Somalia's early post-independence currency.
Common. The 1968 5 Scellini (P-9) was part of a regular issue with substantial circulation. Catalog values from 2019 indicate VF examples at $40 and UNC at $250, placing this note well within the affordability range for typical collectors and indicating steady market availability. The Fair condition grade of this particular specimen, showing standard circulation wear, is typical for notes of this age and issue. No documented scarcity factors (short print run, recall, or early retirement) apply to this Pick number.
This 1968 issue represents Somalia's early period following independence (1960), when the nation was establishing its monetary identity under the Banca Nazionale Somala. The incorporation of both Italian inscriptions (reflecting colonial administrative heritage) and Arabic script (affirming Islamic and Pan-Arab identity) reflects Somalia's transitional political position. The dhow imagery celebrates the nation's maritime trading heritage and connection to the Indian Ocean commercial networks, while the antelope symbolizes Somalia's wildlife and pastoral identity.
The obverse features a profile portrait of a Greater Kudu or similar Somali antelope species facing left, enclosed in a circular frame and positioned at the left of the note. The central composition contains an ornate decorative medallion with geometric and floral patterns in green, yellow, and pink, flanked by signature lines for the Governor and Board President. The reverse depicts a traditional single-sailed dhow (Arab sailing vessel), a historically significant maritime vessel type used throughout the Indian Ocean region, rendered in detailed intaglio cross-hatching and positioned as the focal point. Both sides feature elaborate geometric border treatments with fine-line ornamental framing typical of mid-20th century Central Bank currency design. The color scheme combines red/pink primary elements with green, yellow, tan, and black accents.
OBVERSE: 'BANCA NAZIONALE SOMALA' (National Bank of Somalia); '5 SCELLINI' (5 Shillings); 'IL GOVERNATORE' (The Governor); 'IL PRESIDENTE DEL COLLEGIO DEI REVISORI' (The President of the Board of Auditors); 'MOGADISCIO 1968' (Mogadishu 1968); Serial number 656507 and issue code B005. REVERSE: '5 SOMALI SHILLINGS' (English denomination); 'الجمهورية الصومالية' (Arabic: Somali Republic).
Intaglio engraving (recess printing) executed by OCV (Officina Carte Valori), an Italian security printer. The fine-line engraving work visible throughout the borders, portrait, and vessel depiction, combined with the intricate geometric patterns and cross-hatching, is characteristic of high-security intaglio production. No imprint appears on the note itself, though OCV's production is documented in PMG records.
This specimen represents the standard P-9 variety (5 Scellini = 5/- Shillings) printed by OCV without imprint. PMG records note a P-9s variant exists, likely a specimen note or special marking variant. Serial number 656507 with issue code B005 indicates this note from the standard production run. Signature lines are hand-signed in the designated spaces for the Governor and Board President, consistent with standard issuance practice for this series.
