1961 RHODESIA AND NYASALAND £1 BANKNOTE

Rhodesia & Nyasaland £1 Banknote – 1961 Issue

Pick 21 · Dated 23 January 1961 · Rare · £550

A scarce £1 banknote from the short‑lived Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, dated 23 January 1961. Catalogued as Pick 21 in the Standard Catalogue of World Paper Money, this note is presented in rare condition, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors of African and Commonwealth currency.

Features

• Issuer: Bank of Rhodesia and Nyasaland
• Denomination: £1
• Catalogue Reference: Pick 21
• Date: 23 January 1961
• Condition: Rare – crisp, lightly handled, strong detail and colour
• Price: £550

Obverse

• Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing left.
• Denomination and issue details are prominently displayed.
• Ornate design with a leopard in the corner.

Reverse

• Ruins scene, depicting historic stone ruins associated with Great Zimbabwe.
• Symbolic vignette celebrating the Federation’s cultural heritage.
• Denomination repeated with decorative border.

Historical Note

The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (1953–1963) was a short‑lived political union of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland. Currency from this federation is scarce, and the 1961 £1 note is particularly sought after for its reverse design showing the ancient ruins, a powerful symbol of African history. Surviving examples dated 23‑1‑61 are rare and command strong collector interest.

Tags

Rhodesia and Nyasaland banknote · Pick 21 · 1961 issue · £1 note · Queen Elizabeth II portrait · Federation currency · rare African banknote · historical banknote · collectible banknotes · numismatic dealer UK · investment banknotes · colonial currency history · Rhodesia currency · Nyasaland currency · ruins reverse design · Great Zimbabwe ruins