1965 Central Bank of Nigeria – 5 Shillings Banknote | P#6
The 1965 Nigeria 5 Shillings banknote, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, is one of the final low‑denomination notes of the Nigerian Pound era before the transition to the Naira in 1973. Produced during the early years of the Federal Republic, this note reflects the country’s post‑independence identity, combining modern state symbolism with imagery of Nigeria’s natural resources. Catalogued as P#6, it is a popular and accessible collectible within early Nigerian paper money.
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 5 Shillings (¼ Pound)
Currency Nigerian Pound (1918–1973)
Pick Number P#6
Composition Paper
Shape Rectangular
Demonetized 22 January 1968
Printer Thomas De La Rue &Co., London
Design Overview
Obverse
The obverse features the Central Bank of Nigeria building, symbolising financial authority and national stability during the early post‑independence period. The design is printed in clean, formal tones with crisp guilloche patterns.
Lettering includes:
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Central Bank of Nigeria
Promise to pay on demand the sum of Five Shillings
Reverse
The reverse depicts a logging scene, representing Nigeria’s forestry sector and the importance of natural resources to the national economy. The imagery highlights labour, industry, and the country’s rich environmental landscape.
Lettering:
Central Bank of Nigeria
Five Shillings
Security Features
Intricate guilloche patterns
Multi‑tone printing
Distinctive serial numbering
High‑quality De La Rue engraving
Collector Appeal
Early Federal Republic Issue
Released just two years after Nigeria became a republic, this note captures the nation’s early post‑colonial identity.
Short Circulation Period
Demonetized in 1968, the note had a brief lifespan, making surviving examples more collectible.
Pre‑Decimal Rarity
As part of the Nigerian Pound series, these notes are increasingly sought after by collectors of African and Commonwealth currency.
De La Rue Printing Quality
Produced by one of the world’s most respected banknote printers, giving it strong aesthetic and technical appeal.
Affordable Entry‑Level Collectible
A popular choice for collectors building a Nigerian or African banknote set.
Summary
The 1965 Nigeria 5 Shillings (P#6) is a historically meaningful and visually appealing banknote from the early Federal Republic era. With its Central Bank building, logging imagery, and classic De La Rue craftsmanship, it stands as a notable piece of Nigeria’s pre‑decimal currency history and a strong addition to any African banknote collection.
