1965 Central Bank of Nigeria – 1 Pound Banknote | P#8
The 1965 Nigeria 1 Pound banknote, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, represents one of the final pre‑decimal currency notes used before Nigeria transitioned to the Naira in 1973. As part of the early Federal Republic period, this note reflects the nation’s post‑independence identity, combining modern state symbolism with traditional cultural imagery. Catalogued as P#8, it is a sought‑after piece for collectors of African, Commonwealth, and early Nigerian banknotes.
Key Specifications
Attribute Details
Issuer Nigeria
Issuing Bank Central Bank of Nigeria
Period Federal Republic (1963–present)
Type Standard circulation banknote
Year of Issue 1965
Denomination 1 Pound
Currency Nigerian Pound (1918–1973)
Pick Number P#8
Dimensions 150 × 84 mm
Material Paper
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized 22 January 1968
Watermark Lion’s head
Design Overview
Obverse
Printed in red and dark brown, the obverse features the Central Bank of Nigeria building at left — a symbol of national financial authority during the early post‑independence era. Surrounding guilloche patterns and crisp lettering reinforce the note’s official character.
Lettering includes:
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
Promise to pay on demand the sum of ONE POUND
Reverse
The reverse depicts a man harvesting a cluster from a date palm, representing agricultural labour and Nigeria’s traditional economic foundations. The design is framed by decorative patterns and the denomination.
Lettering:
CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
ONE POUND
Security Features
Lion’s head watermark
Intricate guilloche patterns
Distinctive serial numbering
Multi‑tone printing for anti‑counterfeit protection
Collector Appeal
Post‑Independence Heritage
Issued just five years after Nigeria gained independence, this note captures the early identity of the Federal Republic.
Short Circulation Period
Demonetized in 1968, the note had a brief lifespan, making well‑preserved examples more desirable.
Agricultural & National Symbolism
The combination of the Central Bank building and the date‑palm harvester reflects both modern governance and traditional livelihoods.
Pre‑Decimal Rarity
As part of the Nigerian Pound series (replaced in 1973), these notes are increasingly collected for their historical and transitional significance.
Recognised Cataloguing
Listed as P#8, providing clear reference for collectors and valuation.
Summary
The 1965 Nigeria 1 Pound (P#8) is a historically rich and visually distinctive banknote from the early Federal Republic era. With its Central Bank building, agricultural imagery, and lion’s head watermark, it stands as a meaningful artifact of Nigeria’s post‑independence development and pre‑decimal currency history — a strong addition to any African or Commonwealth banknote collection.
