20 shillings 1982

Common. This is a regular issue from 1982 with no evidence of restricted print run or recall status. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $3-$12 range for UNC examples over a 13-year period (2012-2025), with catalog values (2019) at $7 UNC, indicating strong collector availability and moderate demand rather than scarcity. No special replacement note variants (marked with Z/, Y/, X/, W/ prefixes) are evident in the observed serial number B 9517772.

Issued in 1982 during a period of Uganda's monetary stabilization following the tumultuous 1970s, this banknote reflects the country's national identity through its prominent display of the coat of arms bearing the motto 'For God and My Country' and the dual-language inscriptions (English and Luganda/Swahili). The architectural focus on the Bank of Uganda building in Kampala symbolizes the institution's central role in the nation's economic recovery and modernization efforts during this era.

The obverse features Uganda's national coat of arms at the left, consisting of a shield with a central sun symbol flanked by two antelopes (the crested crane and pearl-spotted owlet are Uganda's national symbols, though antelopes are depicted here), with the national motto 'For God and My Country' inscribed below. An ornate stylized '20' numeral dominates the center, surrounded by elaborate guilloche and rosette decorative patterns. The reverse depicts the modern multi-story Bank of Uganda headquarters building in Kampala rendered in red and pink tones, with its distinctive grid-patterned facade, flanked by stylized antelope figures. Both sides employ extensive geometric and floral decorative border frames with circular seal designs in the corners.

Front: 'BANK OF UGANDA' (issuing authority), 'TWENTY SHILLINGS' / 'SHILLINGI ISHIRINI' (denomination in English and Luganda/Swahili), 'FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY' (national motto from coat of arms), 'LEGAL TENDER FOR TWENTY SHILLINGS' (legal tender declaration), 'GOVERNOR' and 'SECRETARY' (signature titles), 'FOR BANK OF UGANDA' (authorization clause), Serial Number: 'B 9517772'. Back: 'BANK OF UGANDA' (issuing authority), 'TWENTY SHILLINGS SHILLINGI ISHIRINI' (denomination in both languages), denomination '20' appearing in all four corners.

Intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine line engraving, detailed guilloche patterns, rosette designs, and the crisp impression visible throughout. The note was produced by a security printer specializing in currency production; for Ugandan notes of this era, De La Rue or similar specialized currency printers were typically employed, though specific printer attribution for P-17 would require additional documentation.

The observed note carries serial number prefix 'B', indicating a regular issue variant (not a replacement note). PMG cataloging recognizes two variants for this Pick number: P-17 (standard) and P-17* (likely replacement notes with Z/, Y/, X/, or W/ prefixes as documented in replacement note records). The current specimen appears to be P-17 standard variety based on the 'B' prefix serial number.