5 scelini 1962 specimen
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a 1962 specimen note from the Banca Nazionale Somala, the first issue of Somali currency (Pick P-1s). The note features a striking design with pink and red ornamental borders, a profile portrait on the obverse, and a detailed engraving of a traditional sailing dhow on the reverse. In AU condition, this uncirculated specimen exhibits crisp print quality with no visible wear, making it an excellent example of early Somali numismatic design and an important artifact from the nation's independence period.
Common. While this is the first issue of Somali currency from 1962 (Pick P-1s), the eBay market data shows specimen notes selling in the $69.99 to $499.95 range, with catalog values around $110 in UNC condition. The wide range reflects specimen premiums and condition variance rather than extreme scarcity. The specimen designation and 1962 date do not indicate a restricted print run. This variety (P-1s with OCV printer mark) appears regularly in the collector market.
Issued in 1962, this note commemorates Somalia's independence and represents the country's first national currency under the Banca Nazionale Somala. The design elements—particularly the traditional dhow sailing vessel on the reverse and the ornate geometric patterns reflecting Islamic artistic traditions—symbolize Somalia's maritime heritage and cultural identity. The dual Italian and Arabic inscriptions reflect Somalia's complex post-colonial linguistic and cultural landscape during this transitional period.
The obverse features a profile portrait of a dignitary on the left side, likely a Somali national leader or symbolic figure representing the newly independent nation. The center is dominated by an ornate circular geometric design with intricate maze-like patterns in the Islamic artistic tradition, characteristic of Somali and broader East African design aesthetics. The reverse showcases a detailed engraving of a traditional sailing dhow with multiple masts, a vessel central to Somali maritime history and commerce. Both sides employ elaborate decorative borders with floral and geometric patterns in pink, red, cream, gold, and tan tones. The design reflects the work of Istituto Poligrafico dello Stato (now known as OCV - Officine Carte Valori) in Rome, a premier Italian security printer.
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 Reviewers), 'MOGADISCIO 1962' (Mogadishu 1962), 'IPS OFF CARTE VALORI - ROMA' (IPS Official Security Printing - Rome), serial numbers 'A 000' and '000000'. Back Side: 'البنك الوطني الصومالي' (National Bank of Somalia in Arabic), '5 SOMALI SHILLINGS', 'خمسة شلنات' (Five Shillings in Arabic), 'SPECIMEN' (overprinted marking).
Intaglio engraving (steel plate) with multi-color letterpress printing. The fine line work, intricate ornamental patterns, and detailed vessel engraving are characteristic of high-security intaglio production. The crisp, sharp detail visible throughout the specimen indicates professional die engraving and careful printing registration. Printer: Istituto Poligrafico dello Stato - Carte Valori, Rome (later known as OCV - Officine Carte Valori).
This is cataloged as Pick P-1s (specimen variant of the 5 Scellini 1962 issue). The visual analysis confirms specimen status with the red 'SPECIMEN' overprint visible on the reverse. The printer identification 'IPS OFF CARTE VALORI - ROMA' on the front matches the Istituto Poligrafico dello Stato (OCV) attribution. The serial numbers show the 'A' prefix and specimen format (A 000 / 000000). PMG records document multiple related varieties (P-1a being the regular circulating issue), confirming this specimen variant is a distinct cataloging entry. The watermark area shows a leopard's head design as documented in reference sources.
