50 shillings 1982

Common. The 1982 50 Shillings note remains common in the numismatic market. eBay transaction data shows consistent sales in the $3-$12 range across various conditions over multiple years (2014-2025), with UNC specimens typically realizing $6-$11.50. The 2019 catalogue value of $4 UNC further confirms this as standard circulation-issue material with adequate print runs. The note is not from a recalled series, and no documented scarcity issues exist for this Pick number.

Issued during Uganda's early post-independence economic recovery period under President Milton Obote's second regime (1980-1985), this note represents the Bank of Uganda's efforts to establish stable currency during a period of significant political and economic transition. The prominent featuring of the Nalubaale hydroelectric dam on the reverse reflects Uganda's national pride in its modern infrastructure development and hydroelectric capacity, which was crucial to the nation's development agenda. The bilingual presentation in English and Swahili emphasizes Uganda's regional East African identity and ties to the broader Swahili-speaking world.

The obverse features Uganda's national coat of arms positioned on the left side within a map outline of Uganda, displaying two antelope figures (representing Uganda's wildlife) flanking a central shield bearing a rising sun symbol, topped with the national motto banner 'FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY'. The center showcases a large decorative medallion containing the denomination '50' in prominent numerals. The background is dominated by intricate security guilloché patterns in pink, red, brown, and purple-grey tones creating visual depth and anti-counterfeiting security. The reverse depicts the Nalubaale (Owen Falls) hydroelectric dam facility in landscape engraving style, showing the dam structure with water reservoir and surrounding terrain. Large '50' numerals appear in all four corners within ornamental star-burst/rosette frames. Decorative border elements with geometric patterns frame both sides. The watermark features a crested crane's head, Uganda's national bird symbol.

FRONT: 'BANK OF UGANDA' (English) — Bank of Uganda; 'FIFTY SHILLINGS' (English) — Fifty Shillings; 'SHILLINGI HAMSINI' (Swahili) — Fifty Shillings; 'LEGAL TENDER FOR FIFTY SHILLINGS' (English) — Legal Tender for Fifty Shillings; 'FOR BANK OF UGANDA' (English) — For Bank of Uganda; 'GOVERNOR' (English) — Governor (signature title); 'SECRETARY' (English) — Secretary (signature title); Serial number 'C 25 6524459'. BACK: 'BANK OF UGANDA' (English) — Bank of Uganda; 'FIFTY SHILLINGS SHILLINGI HAMSINI' (English/Swahili) — Fifty Shillings / Fifty Shillings.

The note employs intaglio engraving (line engraving) as the primary printing method, evidenced by the fine, crisp line work visible in the guilloché patterns, the landscape scene on the reverse, and the ornamental borders. Multiple color layers were applied, creating the multicolor appearance in tan, beige, pink, red, brown, and grey. The security features including the complex geometric patterns and fine background designs are characteristic of British currency printing standards. This note was likely produced by De La Rue, the primary security printer for Bank of Uganda during this period, though specific printer attribution would require additional documentation.

This specimen displays the standard P-18a variety with 'GOVERNOR' and 'SECRETARY' signature titles visible on the obverse. The serial number prefix 'C' indicates this is from the regular issue series. Known replacement note prefixes for this denomination include Z/1, Y/1, X/1, and W/1 (not applicable to this regular issue example). No overprints or special designations are evident, indicating this is a standard regular-issue note from the 1982 print run.