1979 St Helena 1 Pound – Island Majesty in Paper Form
Discover the elegance of the 1979 St Helena £1 banknote, a scarce and beautifully designed note issued by the Government of St Helena. Featuring a youthful Queen Elizabeth II and symbols of colonial heritage, this note captures the island’s unique blend of British tradition and South Atlantic isolation.
🕰️ Historical Context
Issued just three years after the establishment of St Helena’s Currency Board in 1976, this £1 note marked the island’s move toward monetary self-reliance while maintaining its strong ties to the UK. The St Helena Pound (SHP) is pegged 1:1 to the British Pound Sterling, and this note circulated exclusively on St Helena and Ascension Island.
📌 Key Features & Specifications
Feature Details
Pick Number P-9
Denomination 1 St Helena Pound
Currency St Helena Pound (SHP)
Material Paper
Issuing Authority Government of St Helena
Size 147 × 66 mm
Printer Thomas De La Rue & Co., London
Watermark Profile of Queen Elizabeth II
Security Thread None
Demonetized No – still redeemable at face value locally
🎨 Design Elements
Front: Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at right, with a map of St Helena at left. The note is printed in a soft green and brown palette, with the text “Government of St Helena” and a promise to pay the bearer one pound.
Back: Features the East India Company arms on the left and the colonial seal on the right, with the Latin motto “AUSPICIO REGIS ET SENATUS ANGLIÆ” (“Under the Auspices of the King and the Senate of England”).
🔠 Lettering on the Note
“GOVERNMENT OF ST. HELENA”
“£1” and “ONE POUND” in multiple locations
“CURRENCY COMMISSIONERS” signature panel
Serial number with prefix indicating issue batch
🔒 Security Features
Watermark: Profile of Queen Elizabeth II
No security thread (typical of the era)
Printed serial numbers for authenticity
🎁 Collector’s & Gift Appeal
This note is a standout for:
👑 Royal memorabilia collectors – Featuring a regal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
🌍 British Overseas Territories enthusiasts – A rare note from a remote island
🎂 Those born in 1979 – A meaningful and uncommon birth-year gift
🧭 Travel and maritime history lovers – With its East India Company symbolism and island map
💡 Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1979 St Helena £1 note is more than currency—it’s a tangible link to a remote British outpost steeped in history. With its elegant design, royal portrait, and limited circulation, it’s a prized addition to any collection of Commonwealth, island, or colonial-era banknotes.
