5 shillings 1966

Common. The eBay sales data provided shows consistent availability with sales ranging from $3.25 to $25.01 over a 10-year period, with typical UNC examples selling in the $6-$12 range. The 2019 catalog value of $5 for UNC confirms this as a frequently encountered note in the collector market. As the first 5 Shillings denomination from independent Uganda's inaugural currency issue, while historically significant, the note was issued in substantial quantities and remains readily available in both circulated and uncirculated grades.

Issued in 1966 by the Bank of Uganda following Uganda's independence in 1962, this note represents the newly sovereign nation's assertion of monetary autonomy and national identity. The obverse prominently features the Uganda coat of arms—depicting the crane, antelope, leopard, and shield with sun motif—embodying the nation's heraldic symbols, while the reverse showcases the Victoria Nile and Murchison Falls, one of Uganda's most iconic natural landmarks and a symbol of national pride during the post-independence period.

The obverse features the Uganda coat of arms as its central design element, positioned on the right side against a light cream background with blue and orange decorative elements. The arms incorporate the national animals (crane at the crest, antelope and leopard as supporters) arranged around a shield bearing the sun symbol—representing Uganda's position near the equator. A large diamond-shaped blank area on the left side accommodates the watermark (a hand, per catalog reference). Intricate geometric and floral ornamental borders frame the entire note in purple and gray tones. The reverse depicts a scenic landscape view of the Victoria Nile with Murchison Falls, rendered primarily in blue and sepia tones with rocky terrain in the foreground and vegetation visible in the composition. Decorative circular medallions with geometric patterns adorn the top corners, and denomination numerals appear in circular frames.

Front Side: 'BANK OF UGANDA' (issuing authority); 'FIVE SHILLINGS' and 'SHILING TANO' (denomination in English and Swahili); 'LEGAL TENDER FOR FIVE SHILLINGS' (legal status); 'FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY' (national motto); signature titles 'GOVERNOR' and 'SECRETARY' (authorized signatories); Serial number 'A/32 761818'; denomination numeral '5'. Back Side: 'FIVE SHILLINGS' (denomination); denomination numeral '5' (repeated in circular frames at top left and bottom right corners).

Intaglio (engraved) printing on multicolor underprint. The fine line work visible throughout the design, the intricate border patterns, and the detailed landscape vignette are characteristic of intaglio security printing. The multicolor printing technique combines color underprinting with primary intaglio engraving to create the layered visual effect. While the specific printer is not definitively documented in available references, this note was produced to the security standards typical of major international security printers contracted by the Bank of Uganda during the early independence period.

This note is cataloged as Pick P-1 in its standard form. The PMG population report indicates multiple varieties exist for this base Pick number, including P-1a, P-1cts, P-1s, and possibly others. The observed serial number prefix 'A/32' suggests this specimen belongs to the standard circulation variety. The signature titles 'GOVERNOR' and 'SECRETARY' are consistent with the standard 1966 issue. Without access to detailed variety catalogs distinguishing these variants (which may involve signature combinations, serial number prefixes, watermark variations, or printing dates within the 1966 issue period), the specific variety cannot be conclusively determined from the visual analysis alone, but this appears to be the primary standard issue.