1 pound 1958

Common. Volkskas Limited issued this 1 Pound denomination for the South West African market across multiple years in the 1950s (Pick 14a-14d variants), and significant quantities were produced. The Pick 14b variety (dated 1 September 1958) represents standard circulation currency that was widely distributed and used. No evidence exists of limited print runs, early recalls, or short-lived issuance. Notes of this type and period are regularly encountered in numismatic markets at modest valuations. The Fine condition grade is typical for notes of this vintage that saw moderate circulation.

This note was issued during South West Africa's period under South African administration, following the mandate system established after World War I. Volkskas Limited, a registered commercial bank headquartered in Windhoek, issued this currency under the authority of the Banks Proclamation 1950, which required backing by security lodged with the Secretary for South West Africa. The bilingual inscriptions and the central 'Arbeidsa-imheid' (Labor/Work Unity) motif on the reverse reflect the Afrikaner-dominated political and economic structure of the territory during this period.

The obverse features a picturesque vignette of Windhoek, the capital of South West Africa, depicting the town landscape with prominent church spires, residential buildings, and mountains in the background, rendered in fine engraving with sepia tones. The design is framed by ornate geometric and floral decorative borders with star-like corner ornaments and the denomination '1' positioned in all four corners. The reverse displays a formal ceremonial design centered on an oval medallion containing the central emblem 'Arbeidsa-imheid' (representing labor unity or similar), surrounded by elaborate quatrefoil decorative patterns and ornamental scrollwork with spiral elements. Both sides employ fine line work and cross-hatching techniques characteristic of high-security banknote design. The bilingual treatment (English and Afrikaans) with a German denomination marking reflects the cosmopolitan and commercial nature of the South West African territory during this period.

{"front":{"issuer":"VOLKSKAS BEPERK / VOLKSKAS LIMITED (Volkskas Limited)","bankDesignation":"GEREGISTREERDE HANDELSBANK / REGISTERED COMMERCIAL BANK (Registered Commercial Bank)","paymentPromise":"BELOOF OM TE WINDHOEK AAN TOONDER OP AANVRAAG TE BETAAL / PROMISES TO PAY TO BEARER ON DEMAND AT WINDHOEK","denomination":"PEEN POND / ONE POUND","serialNumber":"A/3 149628","date":"1 SEPTEMBER 1958","authorization":"OP LAS VAN DIE RAAD VAN DIREKTEURE / BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS","signatures":"HOOFAGENT - CHIEF AGENT / HOOFBESTUURDER - GENERAL MANAGER","legalTender":"HIERDIE BANKNOOT IS 'N WETTIGE BETAALMIDDEL IS GEDEEK DEUR SEKURITEIT WAT BY DIE SEKRETARIS VIR SUID-WESTEAFRIKA GEDEPONEER IS KRAGTENS DIE BANKEPROKLAMASE 1950 / THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER AND IS COVERED BY SECURITY LODGED WITH THE SECRETARY FOR SOUTH WEST AFRICA IN TERMS OF THE BANKS PROCLAMATION 1950","printer":"WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDON"},"back":{"issuer":"VOLKSKAS BEPERK / VOLKSKAS LIMITED","denomination":"EEN POND / ONE POUND / EIN PFUND","centralMotif":"ARBEIDSA-IMHEID (Labor/Work Unity)","printer":"WATERLOW & SONS LIMITED, LONDON"}}

Intaglio (engraved) printing, as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate cross-hatching, and the three-dimensional quality of the landscape vignette and decorative elements visible throughout the note. The security printer Waterlow & Sons Limited of London, one of the world's leading banknote printers, employed their signature high-quality engraving techniques to produce this issue. The ornate borders and detailed central medallion are consistent with classical intaglio engraving methods employed for currency production in the 1950s.

This note is cataloged as Pick 14b, indicating it is the 1958 issue of the Volkskas Limited 1 Pound note. The specific date of 1 SEPTEMBER 1958 appears on the note. Serial number A/3 149628 indicates this is from the A/3 series prefix range. Waterlow & Sons Limited, London is credited as the printer. The variety is distinguished from Pick 14a (1957 issue) by the 1958 date. Subsequent varieties (14c and 14d) would reflect different dates or signature changes. No notable overprints, color variations, or security feature anomalies are evident in this example.