Biafran pound

The pound (symbol £) was the currency of the breakaway Republic of Biafra between 1968 and 1970.

Biafran pound
Biafran 2+12 shilling coin from 1969; aluminium, reverse.Biafran 2+12 shilling coin from 1969; aluminium, obverse.
Unit
Symbol£
Denominations
Subunit
120shilling
1240penny
Plural
pennypence
Symbol
shillings or /–
pennyd
Banknotes5/–, 10/–, £1, £5, £10
Coins3d, 6d, 1/–, 2/6
Demographics
User(s)Biafra
Issuance
Central bankBank of Biafra
This infobox shows the latest status before this currency was rendered obsolete.

The first notes, in denominations of 5/– and £1, were introduced on January 29, 1968.[1] A series of coins was issued in 1969; 3d, 6d, 1/–, and 2s 6d coins were minted, all struck in aluminium. In February 1969, a second family of notes was issued in denominations of 5/– and 10/–, £1, £5 and £10. Despite not being recognised currency by the rest of the world when issued, the banknotes were afterwards sold as curios (typically at an eighth of their face value, or 2/6 sterling for Biafran £1) in British notaphily shops. The notes are now traded among banknote collectors at well above their original nominal value.

The most commonly found notes are the 1968 and 1969 £1 notes, with the £10 note and all coins being rare.

Banknotes of the Biafran pound (1968 "First" issue)
ImageValueObverseReverse
5/–Palm tree over a rising sunFour Biafran girls
£1Palm tree over a rising sunCoat of arms of Biafra
Banknotes of the Biafran pound (1969 "Second" issue)
ImageValueObverseReverse
5/–Palm tree over a rising sunFour Biafran girls
10/–Palm tree over a rising sunOil refinery
£1Palm tree over a rising sunCoat of arms of Biafra
£5Palm tree over a rising sunA female weaver
£10Palm tree over a rising sunA male carver

See also

References

  1. Linzmayer, Owen (2011). "Biafra". The Banknote Book. San Francisco, CA: www.BanknoteNews.com. Retrieved 2011-08-21.


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