5 shilin 1978
Market Prices
14 salesAbout This Note
This is an uncirculated 1978 Somalia 5 Shillin banknote (Pick P-21) in pristine condition, featuring a striking mauve and beige color scheme with exceptional engraving detail. The obverse displays a national coat of arms with star emblem and a herd of three Cape buffalo in a grassland setting, while the reverse depicts workers engaged in banana plantation harvest—imagery reflecting Somalia's agricultural economy of the late 1970s. The note shows no signs of wear, with sharp printing and clear details throughout, making it an excellent example of East African currency design from this period.
Common. This is a regular issue banknote with substantial print runs from a major African central bank. eBay auction data provided shows consistent sales between $10–$50 depending on condition and grading, with UNC examples trading in the $24–$30 range historically (catalogue value UNC: $42.50 from 2019). The active secondary market and regular appearance in auctions confirm this is not scarce. The note was issued in standard quantities by an established central bank during a stable period of currency issuance.
Issued by the Bankiga Dhexe ee Soomaaliya (Central Bank of Somalia) in 1978, this note was produced during Somalia's military government period under Siad Barre. The imagery—featuring Cape buffalo and banana harvesting—reflects the nation's dependence on pastoral and agricultural sectors. The note's bilingual inscriptions in Somali and English represent Somalia's post-independence emphasis on the Somali language while maintaining English as a secondary official language.
The obverse features the national coat of arms of Somalia positioned prominently on the left, incorporating a central star emblem within a circular heraldic design—symbolizing Somalia's national identity. The central-right portion displays three Cape buffalo (water buffalo) in a naturalistic grassland composition, representing the nation's pastoral heritage and livestock economy. The reverse showcases an agricultural scene depicting workers engaged in banana harvesting among large banana plants with prominent fruit bunches, illustrating Somalia's significant banana export industry. Both sides incorporate extensive geometric and Islamic-style decorative patterns with intricate borders, fine parallel line work, and ornamental flourishes characteristic of 1970s East African banknote design.
Front side: 'BANKIGA DHEXE EE SOOMAALIYA' (Central Bank of Somalia), '5 SHILIN SOOMAALI' (5 Somali Shillings), 'SHILLINGS' / '5' (denomination markers), 'TALIYAHA' (Governor), 'LACAGHAYAHA' (Treasurer), 'MUQDISHO 1978' (Mogadishu 1978), series/serial markings 'T003' and '919219'. Back side: 'CENTRAL BANK OF SOMALIA', 'SOMALI SHILLINGS', '5 SHILIN SOOMAALI' (5 Somali Shillings). Additional technical notation appears on front (printer's mark, partially unclear).
Intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine guilloche patterns, detailed parallel line work, and sharp engraving detail visible throughout the note. The pristine impression and exceptional clarity of fine lines, geometric patterns, and security features indicate professional security printer production. The note exhibits the hallmark characteristics of high-security currency production from this era, with multiple layered security borders and intricate line work unsuitable for counterfeiting.
This specimen is identified as Pick number P-21 (base variety). The PMG population report indicates a P-21s variant also exists for this denomination. The observed specimen carries serial number prefix 'T003' with serial '919219' and printer notation, which may be relevant for variant identification. No overprints or date variations are evident on this specific note. Further variety classification would require comparison with other known examples and consultation of the P-21s variant specifications.
