1961 Isle of Man £1 Banknote – Tynwald Hill Design | P#25a | Numista N#229093
This 1961 £1 banknote issued by the Isle of Man Government is a cornerstone of Manx numismatics, embodying the island’s sovereign identity and rich cultural heritage. Featuring a youthful portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the Triskelion emblem—three armored legs in motion—it reflects the Isle’s ancient motto: Quocunque Jeceris Stabit (“Whithersoever you throw it, it will stand”).
Printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Co., this note circulated widely across the island until its demonetization in 2013. The reverse showcases Tynwald Hill, the ceremonial seat of the world’s oldest continuous parliament, anchoring the note in centuries of democratic tradition.
Key Specifications
Attribute Details
Issuer Isle of Man Government
Denomination One Pound (£1)
Year of Issue 1961
Pick Number P#25a (Standard Catalog of World Paper Money)
Numista Ref. N#229093
Dimensions Approx. 140 × 67 mm
Material Paper, intaglio printed
Watermark Triskelion (Three Legs of Man)
Printer Bradbury Wilkinson Co.
Signature Garvey
Design Overview
Obverse: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at right, with the Triskelion emblem at lower center and promise text in bold Latin script.
Reverse: Features Tynwald Hill, symbolizing the Isle’s ancient parliamentary tradition.
Security Features: Watermark, serial number variation, and fine engraving.
Collector Appeal
Manx Sovereignty: A proud emblem of the Isle of Man’s political autonomy and cultural distinctiveness.
Historic Parliament Tribute: Tynwald Hill design links the note to the world’s oldest legislature.
Extended Circulation: Valid until 2013, making it one of the longest-serving pre-decimal notes in the British Isles.
Catalogued Rarity: Listed as P#25a and Numista N#229093, aiding authentication and valuation.
This note is a must-have for collectors of Crown dependency currency, pre-decimal issues, and politically significant banknotes.
