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Adi's Banknotes, Dubai (2026)

10/05/2025

A Colonial Legacy in My Collection: East African Currency Board Banknotes

Sharing some treasured pieces from my QEII collection – banknotes issued by the East African Currency Board for circulation in Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania), and Zanzibar. These notes were in use during the British colonial administration in East Africa and are some of the most visually striking and historically rich issues from that era.

1. Five Shillings – 4th October 1957

Pick #: P33c

Signature: Sir George A. French (Chairman) & two other Directors

Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.

Features: Portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II in an oval frame; text in English and Arabic.

Color scheme: Orange-brown and multicolor tint.

2. Ten Shillings – 1st April 1954

Pick #: P34b

Signature: Sir George A. French (Chairman) & two other Directors

Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.

Features: Same portrait design; vibrant green tones with beautiful security designs in the background.

Trilingual Text: English, Arabic, and Gujarati.

3. One Pound (Twenty Shillings) – 1st April 1954

Pick #: P35b

Signature: Sir George A. French (Chairman) & two other Directors

Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.

Features: Oval portrait of Queen Elizabeth II; beautifully layered orange and brown color palette.

Note: This was equivalent to the British pound sterling and used widely across East Africa.

Fun Fact:
These notes are a reminder of the British Empire's vast geographical reach and the uniform monetary policies across its territories. What makes them particularly collectible is the multi-language layout and the classic engraving style of BWC.

10/05/2025

Government & Central Bank of Malta – QEII Notes (1960s–1970s)

Currency: Maltese Pound / Shillings
Portrait: Queen Elizabeth II
Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.
Key Motif: Maltese Cross, national emblem
Languages: English (official at the time)

Denominations, Issues & Notes

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Issuer Year(s) Color Obverse Notes

10 Shillings P-29 Govt. of Malta 1961 Green QEII, Maltese Cross Early crown portrait
1 Pound P-30 Govt. of Malta 1961 Brown QEII, Cross Currency Board issue
10 Shillings P-31 Govt. of Malta 1964 Multi QEII, Cross Last pre-independence design
1 Pound P-32 Govt. of Malta 1964 Brown QEII, Cross Carried over post-1964
10 Shillings P-33 Central Bank 1967 Pink/Red QEII, Cross First issue by CBM
1 Pound P-34 Central Bank 1967 Olive QEII, Cross Bank of Malta title appears

Collector’s Notes:

The transition from Government of Malta to Central Bank of Malta notes marks the establishment of the country’s independent monetary authority after 1964.

These notes preserve the regal presence of Queen Elizabeth II, even post-independence, reflecting the nation’s ongoing ties with the Commonwealth.

The Maltese Cross—a key national symbol—is prominently featured on all notes, anchoring their local identity.

Early issues were authorized under the Currency Notes Ordinance of 1961; later issues cite the Central Bank of Malta Act 1967.

Security features include intaglio printing, watermarks, and fine-line guilloché patterns.

10/05/2025

Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago – QEII Issue (1964–1976)

Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
Portrait: Queen Elizabeth II (official crowned photograph by Peter Grugeon)
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Design Features: Oval-framed portrait, local coat of arms, security threads, color-based denomination scheme
Signatory: E.T. Joshua (Governor)

Denominations & Details

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse Reverse Issue Period

$1 P-24 Red QEII + Coat of Arms Blank 1964–76
$5 P-25 Green QEII + Coat of Arms Blank 1964–76
$10 P-26 Grey QEII + Coat of Arms Blank 1964–76
$20 P-27 Purple QEII + Coat of Arms Blank 1964–76

Collector Highlights:

These were among the first notes issued after independence (1962), still bearing QEII to reflect continuity and stability.

The $20 note is the rarest in circulated condition from this series.

Each note features classic Commonwealth engraving style with guilloché backgrounds and British typographic elements.

The back of the notes was left blank – typical of mid-century issues before scenic backs became common.

10/05/2025

Bank of Mauritius – QEII Rupee Series (1967–1985)

Issuer: Bank of Mauritius
Currency: Mauritian Rupee (Rs.)
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Portrait: Queen Elizabeth II in regalia with sash and order star
Languages on Notes: English, Hindi, Tamil

Denominations & Catalog Info:

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse Reverse Theme Key Features

Rs. 5 P-28 Blue QEII + Coat of Arms Blank Trilingual text, ornate border
Rs. 10 P-29 Red QEII + arms Blank Multicolor underprint
Rs. 25 P-30 Green QEII + arms Blank Unusual denomination, rare in modern issues
Rs. 50 P-31 Purple QEII + arms Blank Higher denomination, hard to find

Noteworthy Facts:

These notes were issued just after independence in 1968, making them transitional from colonial rule to national governance.

Trilingual denomination text (in English, Hindi, Tamil) honors Mauritius' diverse ethnic makeup.

The Rs. 25 note is a particularly rare denomination and was discontinued in modern currency systems.

Security features include watermark of QEII, metallic thread, and deep intaglio printing on high-grade paper.

The design blends British royal elements with Mauritian national symbols — an elegant tribute to the island’s heritage.

10/05/2025

Belize – Queen Elizabeth II Banknotes (1976–1990s)

Currencies: Belize Dollar (BZD), pegged 2:1 to USD
Portrait: Queen Elizabeth II (early-to-mid reign, official crowned pose)
Printers: Thomas De La Rue
Note Types:

Monetary Authority of Belize: pre-1983

Central Bank of Belize: post-1983

Monetary Authority of Belize Notes (Pre-1983)

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse Issue Note Reverse

$1 P-35 Green QEII (young), fish + shell border 1980s Watermark, vibrant reef
$5 P-36 Red QEII + reef 1980s Similar marine imagery, unbordered frame

Central Bank of Belize Notes (Post-1983)

Denomination Catalog Ref. Colour Obverse Issue Year Reverse

$1 P-40 Green QEII with Belize reef 1983 onward Same front-rear combo
$5 P-41 Red QEII + reef & coral 1983 onward Enhanced microtext
$10 P-42 Grey QEII + reef and fish 1983 onward Vertical serials added
$20 P-43 Brown QEII + marine scene 1986 National crest & sea grapes

Collector Notes:

These designs feature one of the earliest regional transitions from colonial to independent note issuing, keeping QEII's image.

The reverse of these notes reflects Belize’s marine biodiversity and reef conservation identity.

The $20 note is especially rare from the Central Bank's early series, often found only in circulated condition.

All these notes include intaglio printing, watermarks, and security threads, with slight visual upgrades in the Central Bank version.

10/05/2025

East Caribbean Currency Authority – QEII Series (1965–1980s)

Issuer: East Caribbean Currency Authority (ECCA)
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
Portrait: Queen Elizabeth II in Colonel-in-Chief military attire
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Usage: Legal tender across multiple British Eastern Caribbean territories (e.g. St. Lucia, Grenada, Antigua, Dominica)

Denominations & Catalog Info:

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse Reverse Theme Notable Features

$1 P-13 Red QEII + Windward Islands map Blank Ornate border, early layout
$5 P-14 Green QEII + Windward Islands map Blank Guilloché patterns, security thread
$20 P-16 Purple QEII + map + flower Blank Watermark, high denomination, very scarce

Historical Context:

The East Caribbean Currency Authority existed before the ECCB was formed in 1983. These notes were in use across several islands.

The map of the Windward Islands and use of sailing motifs represent the shared geography of the issuing nations.

The military-style portrait of QEII is a departure from typical civilian dress portraits, making these notes highly distinct.

Many of these were withdrawn after the transition to ECCB polymer notes, making clean notes increasingly difficult to find.

10/05/2025

Government of Gibraltar – Queen Elizabeth II (1986–1995) Series

Currency: Gibraltar Pound (GIP)
Legal Tender: In Gibraltar only (pegged 1:1 with GBP)
Portrait: Mid-reign Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Grand Duchess Vladimir tiara
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Signatories: Financial & Economic Secretaries (varies by note)

Denominations & Details

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse Reverse Design Issue Date

£1 P-19 Red QEII + fortress Rock of Gibraltar 4 Aug 1988
£5 P-20 Green QEII + castle crest Moorish Castle 4 Aug 1988
£10 P-21 Blue QEII + castle crest Gibraltar Bay 21 Oct 1986
£20 P-22 Orange QEII + coastal view Europa Point 1 Jul 1986
£50 P-23 Purple QEII + ornate background North face of Gibraltar 27 Nov 1986

Unique Notes:

This series showcases one of the most detailed engraved portraits of the Queen, with fine-line security, rosettes, and embossing.

The £1–£5 notes are particularly sought after due to their historical context and being withdrawn from circulation earlier.

The notes use traditional British colonial typography and layout, making them stylistically similar to older British Commonwealth issues.

The £50 note is a standout piece due to its large size and high rarity.

10/05/2025

Cayman Islands – Queen Elizabeth II Series

Issuer: Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA)
Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD), pegged to USD at 1 KYD = 1.20 USD
Issue Year: 2010 (current design series)
Portrait: Mature Queen Elizabeth II based on a photograph by Ian Jones
Printer: De La Rue
Material: Paper (with advanced security overlays)

Denominations & Design Details:

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse Reverse Theme Notable Element

$1 P-39 Blue QEII, seashells, coral Sergeant Major fish School of tropical fish
$5 P-40 Green QEII, turtle Hawksbill turtle Coral reef, UV security threads
$10 P-41 Red QEII, shells Queen Angelfish Vibrant reef backdrop
$25 P-42 Orange QEII, seashell motif Spiny lobster Unique denomination
$50 P-43 Purple QEII, whelk shell Stingray Embedded watermark & window thread
$70 P-44 Tan QEII, marine motifs Blue Iguana & reef Special denomination for 70th birthday
$100 P-45 Orange QEII, schooner Historic Cayman sailing ships Highest denomination, rarely circulated

Fun Collector Notes:

The $25 and $70 notes are exclusive denominations not seen in most world currencies — the $70 was created as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th birthday.

Each note features local marine life, combining cultural pride with ecological awareness.

The Cayman Islands series includes multiple latent images, metallic threads, UV inks, and clear windows, making them very secure and artistic.

These notes are not accepted in the UK or US, but are highly respected in the global collector market due to limited issue and exotic themes.

10/05/2025

Isle of Man – Queen Elizabeth II Banknotes

Issuer: Isle of Man Government
Currency: Manx Pound (IMP), pegged 1:1 to GBP
Portrait: Multiple versions of QEII (early reign to mid-life)
Printer: Thomas De La Rue
Circulation: Legal tender only on the Isle of Man

Denominations & Series Breakdown

Classic Series (Pre-1995)

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse Reverse Notable Features

50p P-34 Grey QEII Triskelion, local symbols Rare note denomination
£1 (white/grey) P-36 Lilac QEII Island motifs Tight guilloché background
£1 (green/pink) P-38 QEII Local crest + map Dual serials, newer layout
£5 P-40 Maroon QEII Three Legs of Man + map Deep intaglio printing
£10 P-41 Green QEII Triskelion seal Strong anti-counterfeit overlays
£20 (red) P-42 Red QEII Island map Watermark, metallic thread

Modern Series (Post-1995)

Denomination Catalog Ref. Colour Obverse Reverse Notable

£20 (red/grey) P-48 Red-Grey QEII Triskelion emblem 3D pattern shading
£50 P-49 Green QEII Falcon & national seal Rare high-value note

Unique Highlights:

The Triskelion symbol (“Three Legs of Man”) appears on every note — an ancient Norse emblem that’s the national symbol of the Isle of Man.

Several versions feature differently aged portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, making the set ideal for studying her numismatic legacy.

The 50p note is particularly scarce in high grade and is a unique denomination not issued in most territories.

These notes are not accepted in mainland UK, but they hold full legal tender status in the Isle of Man.

10/05/2025

Solomon Islands – Queen Elizabeth II Series

Issuer: Central Bank of Solomon Islands
Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
Series Issue: 1986–2006 (Paper notes, later replaced with polymer)
Portrait: Young Queen Elizabeth II (early reign era)
Printer: De La Rue
Signatories: Vary by year (including Governors and Finance Secretaries)

Denominations & Catalog Details:

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse (Front) Reverse Theme Notable Details

$2 P-17 Green QEII & canoe Native designs & fish Raised intaglio, security thread
$5 P-18 Blue QEII & shield Canoe, bird, and patterns UV serial, watermark
$10 P-19 Red QEII & traditional carving Shell money, outrigger canoe Used in circulation
$10 (Specimen) P-19s Red QEII Same as above “SPECIMEN” overprint, A/000000 serial
$20 P-20 Orange QEII & tribal masks Canoe + abstract designs Higher denomination with upgraded ink
$20 (Specimen) P-20s Orange QEII Same as above Extremely rare specimen note

Interesting Facts:

These notes were inspired by Melanesian art and traditions, with intricate local symbols surrounding the Queen’s portrait.

Shell money, a traditional form of exchange, is featured in the note design — a unique highlight in world currency.

Specimen notes were never in circulation and were used for display, banking, or official record purposes — making them highly collectible.

These were later replaced with polymer designs starting from 2013–2016.

10/05/2025

St. Helena – Queen Elizabeth II Banknote Series

Issuer: Government of St. Helena
Currency: St. Helena Pound (SHP), pegged 1:1 to GBP
Issue Period: 1979–2004
Portrait: Young Queen Elizabeth II (based on early reign photographs)
Signatories: Currency Commissioners (varied names including R. G. A. Heywood, L. T. Isaac, G. B. Evans)
Printer: Thomas De La Rue

Denominations & Catalog Details:

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse Reverse Design Year Range

50p P-7 Purple QEII Coastal Fort & sailing ships 1980s
£1 P-8 Olive QEII Napoleon’s House on Longwood 1980s–90s
£5 P-9 Blue QEII Coastal hills & harbor 1980s–90s
£10 P-10 Burgundy QEII Jacob’s Ladder & buildings 1990s–2004
£20 P-11 Tan/Green QEII Jamestown from the hills 1990s–2004

Interesting Facts:

St. Helena notes are legal tender only on the island, and rarely leave due to the small population (approx. 4,000), making them scarce in the global market.

The Queen’s portrait used here is one of the youngest versions among any British overseas currency.

The reverse scenes reflect life in Jamestown and notable Napoleonic history (as Napoleon was exiled here).

This series is especially appreciated for its elegant guilloché design and soft color tones.

10/05/2025

Falkland Islands – Queen Elizabeth II Series

Issuer: The Government of the Falkland Islands
Currency: Falkland Islands Pound (FKP), pegged 1:1 to GBP
Issue Period: 2005–2014
Printer: De La Rue
Portrait: Queen Elizabeth II (based on a 1985 photographic reference)
Signatories: Derek Howatt & James Wilson (Commissioners of Currency)

Denominations & Collector Details:

Denomination Catalog Ref. (Pick) Colour Obverse Reverse Design Issue Year

£5 P-14 Red QEII + Sea lion, parrot Christ Church Cathedral & Whale bone arch 2005
£10 P-15 Green QEII + King penguin Elephant seals 2010
£20 P-16 Brown QEII + Albatross Governor’s House 2011
£50 P-17 Purple QEII + Upland goose Map of Falklands 2009

Highlights:

Only issued in small batches due to the low population of the Falklands (approx. 3,000).

The notes include detailed fauna illustrations (penguins, sea lions, birds) reflecting the unique biodiversity of the South Atlantic.

The £50 note is the highest denomination and the most challenging to find UNC due to limited circulation.

All notes include the island's coat of arms and layered security features, including metallic threads and microprinting.

Adi's Banknotes

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